Chief Strategy Officer

Chief Strategy Officer (Children’s Reforms and Transformation)

Location: Chatham, Kent (Hybrid working)

Contract Type: 12-month fixed term (with potential for extension)

Salary: £73,242 - £86,518 per annum

Are you ready to lead one of the most ambitious transformation programmes in local government? We are seeking a visionary and strategic leader to join our People Directorate as Chief Strategy Officer (Children’s Reforms and Transformation). This pivotal role will drive the design and delivery of the Families First Partnership Programme (FFPP) and wider system reform, ensuring services for children, young people and families are integrated, innovative, and future-ready. The successful candidate will lead a multi-agency transformation programme across Children’s Social Care, Education, SEND, and wider council services, aligning with national policy and local priorities—including preparation for potential Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

What you’ll do:

• Lead strategic transformation across People Services, with a focus on children’s wellbeing and safeguarding.
• Oversee the implementation of the Children Wellbeing and Schools Bill and response to Families First statutory guidance.
• Coordinate multi-agency delivery plans and ensure alignment with emerging unitary authority models.
• Represent at regional and national forums, influencing policy and advocating for system reform.
• Promote digital innovation, data-led decision-making, and collaborative working across services.

What we’re looking for:

• A senior leader with extensive experience in public sector transformation, ideally within children’s services.
• Proven ability to lead complex programmes with multiple stakeholders and deliver measurable impact.
• Strong strategic thinking, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field and qualifications in programme management (e.g. MSP, PRINCE2).

To find out more information please contact Lily at (url removed)

Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. We are an equal opportunity agency.