Chief Strategy Officer

4Recruitment Services; England; Hybrid; GBP 73,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency seeks a Chief Strategy Officer to lead transformation across children's services in Chatham, Kent. This role involves driving strategic initiatives, overseeing the implementation of key legislation, and engaging with multiple stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in public sector transformation and significant leadership experience. This position offers a competitive salary and hybrid working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in public sector transformation, ideally within children's services.
• Proven ability to lead complex programmes with measurable impact.
• Strong strategic thinking and policy analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic transformation across People Services.
• Oversee implementation of the Children Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
• Coordinate multi-agency delivery plans.

Skills

Public sector transformation

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Policy analysis

Education

Masters degree or equivalent

Tools

MSP

PRINCE2

Job description

Overview

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.

We are seeking a visionary and strategic leader to join our People Directorate to drive the design and delivery of the Families First Partnership Programme (FFPP) and wider system reform. 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 Masters 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.