Transformation Manager, Children’s Services Reform programmes

Job Introduction We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all. Join Surrey County Council as a Transformation Manager and help shape the future of children's services. Through the Families First Partnership Programme and SEND Reforms, you will have the opportunity to influence nationally significant reform while delivering real and lasting improvements for children, young people and families across Surrey. These two Transformation Manager roles are permanent roles and have a starting salary of £63,823 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week. We have a great opportunity to join either our Children’s Social Care Transformation team, or our Additional Needs and Disabilities Transformation Team as a Transformation Manager supporting the Families First Partnership Programme, or, the SEND Reform Programme . This is an opportunity to influence how services are designed and delivered for children, young people and families across Surrey. Working with senior leaders, practitioners and partners, you will help shape innovative approaches, develop solutions and drive sustainable change. We support hybrid working with the right balance. We come together in person for two days per week on average (40% of the working week) and support working from home the rest of the time. Our Offer to You 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave A generous local government salary related pension Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year Paternity, adoption and dependents leave An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents. About The Role As a Transformation Manager, you will provide specialist transformation, change and consultancy expertise to support the Families First Partnership Programme and wider Children's Services priorities. You will: Lead service reviews, redesign activity and transformation projects. Facilitate workshops and co-design sessions with frontline practitioners, leaders and partners. Analyse current service models and develop future-state operating models. Undertake process reviews, options appraisals and business case development. Develop approaches to benefits realisation and continuous improvement. Provide expert advice, challenge and support to senior stakeholders. Help build transformation capability across the wider organisation. There may be line management responsibility for Assistant Transformation Managers, Project Managers or other team members. Key priorities are expected to include: Supporting implementation of Family Help and / or SEND reforms, including design and delivery of the Experts at Hand model. Designing integrated, multi-agency ways of working. Developing operating models that improve outcomes for children and families. Embedding evidence-based transformation and continuous improvement approaches. Contributing to programme governance, benefits realisation and service improvement. This role sits at the heart of strategic transformation within Children's Services. You will help shape how services are delivered, influence key decisions and ensure reforms translate into real improvements for children, young people and families. Your Application In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills, experience and align with our behaviours : Experience leading transformation, service improvement or organisational change initiatives. Strong consultancy, facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills. Experience of service design, process improvement and change management methodologies. Ability to develop business cases, options appraisals and recommendations for senior decision-makers. Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills. Experience of working in complex public sector or partnership environments. Knowledge of children's services, family help, safeguarding or related services would be beneficial in helping you to be quickly successful in the role. To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions: Please provide an example of a service redesign or transformation project that you have led. How did you identify opportunities for improvement and ensure the changes delivered measurable benefits? Describe a time when you facilitated a workshop or engagement process involving multiple stakeholders with different perspectives. What approach did you use and what outcome was achieved? Tell us about a business case, options appraisal or strategic recommendation that you developed. How did you use evidence and analysis to support decision-making? What experience do you have of supporting large-scale organisational or system change, and what do you believe are the key success factors in delivering sustainable transformation? Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey. The job advert closes at 23:59 on 19th July 2026 with interviews planned week commencing 27th July. Contact Us Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please contact Bosede Lawal on Bosede.Lawal@surreycc.gov.uk for enquiries relating to the Families First Partnership roles. A basic DBS ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ check will be required for this role. Local Government Organisation (LGR) Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to new unitary councils in April 2027. Your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of these new councils, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council Our Commitment We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria, as displayed on the advert, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.