Interim Programme Lead - Children's Social Care Transformation
Location: Surrey (hybrid working)
Reports to: Assistant Director, Transformation - Children's Social Care
About the role
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Interim Programme Lead to drive forward a critical transformation programme across Children's Social Care, Early Help and the wider Directorate.
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for leading the design and delivery of complex, system-wide change, ensuring services deliver improved outcomes for children, young people and families.
The postholder will work closely with the Assistant Director (Transformation), retaining strong alignment to strategic priorities while taking ownership of day-to-day programme leadership and delivery.
Key responsibilities
Lead the delivery of a high-profile transformation programme, maintaining the service quality standards, improving service quality, impact and value for money across Children's Services.
Develop and manage a coherent, prioritised programme of change, ensuring alignment to strategic objectives and financial plans.
Provide visible leadership across programme and project teams, fostering a culture of accountability, performance and innovation.
Work closely with Assistant Directors, senior leaders and partners to embed sustainable improvement across early help and statutory services.
Ensure robust programme governance, including risk management, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.
Drive cross-system collaboration with partners to influence behaviours and unlock early intervention and prevention benefits.
Maximise value from placements and service delivery through data-led decision making and cost/outcome analysis.
What we're looking for
We are looking for a highly credible leader with:
Significant experience leading large-scale transformation programmes in Children's Social Care, local government, or related sectors
A strong track record of delivering measurable improvement in outcomes, performance and financial sustainability
Deep expertise in programme management, governance, and system change
Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders, Members and partners
Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams in complex environments
Strong analytical and strategic thinking capability, with the ability to translate insight into delivery
About you
You will:
Be comfortable operating at senior leadership level in a complex political environment
Balance strategic oversight with hands-on programme delivery
Be passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people
Bring energy, pace and credibility to transformation work
Additional information
Oversight of a transformation programme budget of c. 1.3m and an efficiencies target of 6m to deliver this financial year
Leadership of a team of Programme, Transformation and Project Managers
Enhanced DBS required
Eden Brown Synergy is an equal opportunities employer.
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