Families First Programme Manager - Local Authority

Families First Programme Manager

• Location: Oldham (Hybrid Working)
• Rate: Up to £600 per day (Umbrella)
• Contract: Interim / Contract

Oldham Council is seeking an experienced Families First Programme Manager to play a pivotal role in delivering the national Families First Partnership Transformation Programme. This high-profile leadership position within Children's Services is responsible for driving significant service transformation, workforce development, partnership working, and operating model redesign to ensure Oldham meets the national Families First requirements by April 2027.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Lead the design and delivery of major transformation workstreams within the Families First Programme.
• Develop and implement programme, project, and communication plans.
• Support the creation of a single integrated Children's Services system.
• Lead workforce culture, practice development, partnership, and engagement initiatives.
• Coordinate service redesign and implementation activities across Children's Social Care and Early Help.
• Establish effective governance, reporting, and risk management arrangements.
• Develop business cases and recommendations for senior leadership and programme boards.
• Manage complex stakeholder relationships across local, regional, and national partners.
• Support budget planning, forecasting, and resource management.
• Work collaboratively with Greater Manchester and regional partners to ensure programme alignment.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Successful delivery of complex transformation and organisational change programmes.
• Strong programme and project management experience within public sector environments.
• Experience developing business cases and leading change initiatives.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and multi-agency partnerships.
• Experience managing budgets, resources, and competing priorities.
• Track record of service redesign, continuous improvement, and performance management.
• Knowledge of Children's Social Care reform agenda and national policy developments.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and influencing ability.
• Degree educated or equivalent professional qualification.
• Desirable: Professional Leadership or Management qualification.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to lead one of the most significant Children's Services transformation programmes in the region.
• High-profile role with direct impact on outcomes for children, young people, and families.
• Extensive partnership working across Greater Manchester.
• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Competitive rate of up to £600 per day Umbrella.

To apply for the Families First Programme Manager position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this position.