Interim Senior Programme Manager

3-Month Contract | 36 Hours per Week

We are seeking an experienced Interim Senior Programme Manager to lead a high-profile strategic review and develop a robust business case to support future service delivery decisions.

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior programme professional who is comfortable working independently, navigating ambiguity and delivering complex strategic work at pace. You will work closely with senior leaders, subject matter experts and a wide range of stakeholders, while taking personal ownership of the delivery.

This is a hands-on role with no dedicated project team, so you will need to be confident leading the work from end to end — from research and analysis through to stakeholder engagement, options appraisal and recommendations.

About the Role

Reporting to the Associate Director for Children's Social Care Transformation, you will lead the development of a comprehensive business case exploring alternative delivery options and assessing the associated risks, opportunities and implications.

You will work across organisational boundaries to gather and analyse information, undertake stakeholder and market engagement, assess potential delivery models and develop practical implementation considerations.

Your work will ultimately provide clear, evidence-based recommendations to support senior decision-making and shape future service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of a strategic business case, including research, analysis, options appraisal and recommendations.

• Design and undertake stakeholder engagement and market testing activity.

• Develop financial, operational, governance and implementation considerations.

• Produce high-quality reports, briefing papers and presentations for senior leaders and decision-makers.

• Identify and manage programme risks, issues, dependencies and assumptions.

• Establish effective governance and reporting arrangements.

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor throughout the review.

• Work autonomously to drive activity forward, identify what is required and take ownership for delivery.

Key Deliverables

During the three-month contract, you will be expected to:

• Produce a robust, evidence-based business case.

• Complete an options appraisal and assessment of future delivery models.

• Undertake stakeholder and market engagement.

• Develop high-level implementation and transition considerations.

• Identify risks, opportunities, financial implications and dependencies.

• Present clear recommendations to support future decision-making.

About You

We are looking for an experienced programme professional who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience leading complex strategic programmes or reviews.

• Strong business case development and options appraisal skills.

• The ability to analyse complex information and translate it into clear recommendations.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.

• Experience of market engagement and assessing alternative delivery models.

• Strong financial, operational and governance awareness.

• The ability to produce high-quality reports and presentations for senior audiences.

• Excellent organisational and project management skills.

• The confidence to work autonomously and deliver at pace in an ambiguous environment.

• The ability to build credibility and trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.

What We Offer

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

• Access to learning and development resources.

• Employee Assistance Programme.

• The opportunity to influence a high-profile strategic programme with significant impact on future service delivery.

• A collaborative and supportive working environment.

Why Apply?

This is a highly visible interim assignment offering the opportunity to make a tangible strategic impact. You will play a pivotal role in developing recommendations that will inform future service delivery arrangements and help maximise value for residents and communities.

If you are an experienced programme leader who enjoys complex strategic challenges and can deliver high-quality work at pace, we would be keen to hear from you.