Oxfordshire County Council

Transformation programme manager (children, education, families)

The closing date is 04 September 2025

Job summary

This is a senior specialist role, responsible for transformation leadership and the successful delivery of priority programmes that involve service design and improvement, change management and continuous improvement. As part of this you will: Work with, and gain commitment from stakeholders to the vision, objectives and expected measurable outcomes for service transformation initiatives, including culture change. Provide expert support, advice and guidance to transformation and change proposals including the most suitable approaches to service/operating model design, change management and continuous improvement. Provide a joined up and coherent approach to service transformation programmes that draws on best practice and that is in align with corporate approaches, the councils values (Delivering the Future Together) and aspirations (Childrens Oxfordshire Way) to develop new ways of working across all service. Matrix/line manage a small number of CEF transformation team members.

Main duties of the job

You will be motivated by making a tangible difference to the lives of children and young people and will have significant experience as a transformation or change management professional, in a service design and improvement environment. You will need to demonstrate a proven track record of delivering improved service user outcomes, operational efficiency, and cost reduction/avoidance. Experience of working in local government and/or the wider public sector service economy would be desirable, but not essential, as experience in other sectors will enable us to look at our challenges from another perspective.

About us

Oxfordshire County Council's children, education and family services are on an exciting and ambitious transformation journey. We are investing in early help and prevention, working in partnership with children, young people and families to redesign the way we work, and seeking to build on our 'Good'-rated services. We are seeking the right people who can help us get there, embracing our value of 'daring to do it differently', as we continue to strive to strengthen and make sustainable key services.

Details

Date posted

05 August 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£686,136 to £725,820 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

VP6BF890FF

Job locations

Oxford

OX1 1ND


Job description

Job responsibilities

Are you passionate about improving local services for children and young people? Are you highly organised, driven and skilled at leading teams to achieve success?We're looking for an experienced transformation professional to join our children, education and families team.

About Us

Oxfordshire County Council's children, education and family services are on an exciting and ambitious transformation journey.We are investing in early help and prevention, working in partnership with children, young people and families to redesign the way we work, and seeking to build on our 'Good'-rated services.We are seeking the right people who can help us get there, embracing our value of 'daring to do it differently', as we continue to strive to strengthen and make sustainable key services.

About the role

This is a senior specialist role, responsible for transformation leadership and the successful delivery of priority programmes that involve service design and improvement, change management and continuous improvement. As part of this you will:

  • Work with, and gain commitment from stakeholders to the vision, objectives and expected measurable outcomes for service transformation initiatives, including culture change.
  • Provide expert support, advice and guidance to transformation and change proposals including the most suitable approaches to service/operating model design, change management and continuous improvement.
  • Provide a joined up and coherent approach to service transformation programmes that draws on best practice and that is in align with corporate approaches, the councils values (Delivering the Future Together) and aspirations (Childrens Oxfordshire Way) to develop new ways of working across all service.
  • Matrix/line manage a small number of CEF transformation team members.

About you

You will be motivated by making a tangible difference to the lives of children and young people and will have significant experience as a transformation or change management professional, in a service design and improvement environment.

You will need to demonstrate a proven track record of delivering improved service user outcomes, operational efficiency, and cost reduction/avoidance.

Experience of working in local government and/or the wider public sector service economy would be desirable, but not essential, as experience in other sectors will enable us to look at our challenges from another perspective.

Our Rewards & Benefits

  • Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays).
  • Culture of flexible working
  • Technology to support agile working where role permits
  • Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, employers contribution of up to19.9%
  • Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support 24 x7.
  • Range of family friendly policies.
  • Childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, range of staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, health & leisure activities.
  • Excellent learning and development opportunities.
  • Explore morehere

How to apply

To apply, you will need to complete an online application form.This includes a section asking you to explain how you meet the requirements of the job role and selection criteria, as specified in the job description. You should also attach a cover letter and/or CV to your application form.

If you experience any difficulties whilst completing the application form, please contact theRecruitment Team using the Recruitment Application Enquiry Form on the Home Page.

Ourcommitment to:Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce.Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.Our commitment to:Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job.We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships.We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.Our commitment to:Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.Our commitment to:Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.Follow us on Social Media

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us onLinkedIn,Facebook,Twitter andInstagram.

If you encounter any issues with the application system or would like an informal discussion about the role, please contactanna.jennings@oxfordshire.gov.uk (Head of Transformation, Children, Education & Families).

Job description

Job responsibilities

Are you passionate about improving local services for children and young people? Are you highly organised, driven and skilled at leading teams to achieve success?We're looking for an experienced transformation professional to join our children, education and families team.

About Us

Oxfordshire County Council's children, education and family services are on an exciting and ambitious transformation journey.We are investing in early help and prevention, working in partnership with children, young people and families to redesign the way we work, and seeking to build on our 'Good'-rated services.We are seeking the right people who can help us get there, embracing our value of 'daring to do it differently', as we continue to strive to strengthen and make sustainable key services.

About the role

This is a senior specialist role, responsible for transformation leadership and the successful delivery of priority programmes that involve service design and improvement, change management and continuous improvement. As part of this you will:

  • Work with, and gain commitment from stakeholders to the vision, objectives and expected measurable outcomes for service transformation initiatives, including culture change.
  • Provide expert support, advice and guidance to transformation and change proposals including the most suitable approaches to service/operating model design, change management and continuous improvement.
  • Provide a joined up and coherent approach to service transformation programmes that draws on best practice and that is in align with corporate approaches, the councils values (Delivering the Future Together) and aspirations (Childrens Oxfordshire Way) to develop new ways of working across all service.
  • Matrix/line manage a small number of CEF transformation team members.

About you

You will be motivated by making a tangible difference to the lives of children and young people and will have significant experience as a transformation or change management professional, in a service design and improvement environment.

You will need to demonstrate a proven track record of delivering improved service user outcomes, operational efficiency, and cost reduction/avoidance.

Experience of working in local government and/or the wider public sector service economy would be desirable, but not essential, as experience in other sectors will enable us to look at our challenges from another perspective.

Our Rewards & Benefits

  • Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays).
  • Culture of flexible working
  • Technology to support agile working where role permits
  • Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, employers contribution of up to19.9%
  • Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support 24 x7.
  • Range of family friendly policies.
  • Childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, range of staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, health & leisure activities.
  • Excellent learning and development opportunities.
  • Explore morehere

How to apply

To apply, you will need to complete an online application form.This includes a section asking you to explain how you meet the requirements of the job role and selection criteria, as specified in the job description. You should also attach a cover letter and/or CV to your application form.

If you experience any difficulties whilst completing the application form, please contact theRecruitment Team using the Recruitment Application Enquiry Form on the Home Page.

Ourcommitment to:Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce.Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.Our commitment to:Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job.We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships.We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.Our commitment to:Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.Our commitment to:Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.Follow us on Social Media

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us onLinkedIn,Facebook,Twitter andInstagram.

If you encounter any issues with the application system or would like an informal discussion about the role, please contactanna.jennings@oxfordshire.gov.uk (Head of Transformation, Children, Education & Families).

Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

  • Please refer to job description above

Desirable

  • Please refer to job description above
Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

  • Please refer to job description above

Desirable

  • Please refer to job description above

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Oxfordshire County Council

Address

Oxford

OX1 1ND


Employer's website

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Oxfordshire County Council

Address

Oxford

OX1 1ND


Employer's website

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Recruiter

Sandra Benaite

VP6BF890FF.1286@vacancyposter.com

01865816000

Details

Date posted

05 August 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£686,136 to £725,820 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

VP6BF890FF

Job locations

Oxford

OX1 1ND


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