Programme Lead – Children’s Social Care Transformation

Ackerman Pierce Ltd

We are looking to recruit an Interim Programme Lead – Children's Social Care Transformation for Surrey County Council. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a high-profile transformation portfolio across Children's Services, Early Help and wider strategic partnerships. Working closely with senior leaders, you will drive service redesign, financial sustainability and system-wide improvement to deliver better outcomes for children, young people and families.

This senior leadership role offers the opportunity to influence strategic change across the Directorate, leading complex transformation programmes while working alongside experienced senior leaders in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. With hybrid working and a long-term contract available, this is an excellent opportunity to make a lasting impact within one of the country's leading local authorities.

Key responsibilities include:
  • Lead the delivery of a high-profile Children's Services transformation programme, improving service quality, outcomes and value for money.
  • Develop and manage a prioritised programme of change aligned to strategic objectives and financial plans.
  • Provide leadership across programme and project teams, promoting accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Work closely with Assistant Directors, senior leaders and partner organisations to embed sustainable improvements across Early Help and statutory Children's Services.
  • Ensure robust programme governance, including risk management, reporting, assurance and stakeholder engagement.
  • Drive cross-system collaboration with partners to strengthen early intervention, prevention and integrated service delivery.
  • Use data, performance insight and financial analysis to maximise service value and support long-term sustainability.
  • Lead and support Programme, Transformation and Project Managers, fostering a high-performing and collaborative team culture.

The ideal candidate will have:
  • Eligibility to work in the UK.
  • Degree qualification or equivalent senior leadership experience.
  • Significant experience leading large-scale transformation programmes within Children's Services, local government or a related public sector environment.
  • Strong programme management, governance and financial management expertise.
  • Experience delivering measurable service improvements, organisational change and financial efficiencies.
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders, elected Members and partner agencies.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary teams within complex organisational environments.

Working with Ackerman Pierce
Working with Ackerman Pierce, you will receive weekly pay, a dedicated consultant to support you throughout the recruitment process, and access to continued professional development. This is an excellent long-term opportunity to join a highly regarded local authority offering hybrid working, experienced leadership and the opportunity to lead transformational change across Children's Services.

Interested?
To discuss this vacancy or any similar senior leadership opportunities we currently have available, please send your updated CV or contact Carmen Thong at Ackerman Pierce for a confidential discussion.
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