Chief Strategy Officer

Service Care Solutions; England; Hybrid; GBP 73,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization is seeking a Chief Strategy Officer (Children's Reforms and Transformation) to lead the Families First Partnership Programme and drive systemic reform. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in transformation programmes and a master's degree in a relevant field. This role is hybrid, offering a salary between £73,242 - £86,518 per annum, and represents a significant opportunity to shape children's services.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading large-scale, cross-sector transformation programmes.
• Highly developed understanding of national policy frameworks for children's services.
• In-depth knowledge of safeguarding, equality, employment law, and statutory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic transformation across People Services focusing on children's wellbeing.
• Oversee implementation of the Children Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
• Design and deliver complex, multi-agency transformation programmes.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-sector transformation

Political awareness

Education

Master's degree in Public Policy, Management, or Advanced Leadership

Professional qualification in programme/project management (e.g. PRINCE2 Practitioner, MSP)

Job description

Chief Strategy Officer (Children's Reforms and Transformation)

Location: Chatham, Kent (Hybrid Working)
Salary: £73,242 - £86,518 per annum
Contract Type: 12-month fixed term (with potential for extension)
Closing Date: 15 October 2025
Shortlisting Date: 16 October 2025
Reporting to: Director of People (Statutory DCAS) and Deputy Chief Executive

About the Role

Medway Council is 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 Families First Partnership Programme (FFPP) and wider system reform—ensuring Medway's services for children, young people and families are integrated, innovative, and future‑ready.

You will lead a multi‑agency transformation programme across Children's Social Care, Education, SEND, and wider council services, ensuring alignment with national policy and local priorities, including preparation for potential Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic transformation across People Services with a focus on children's wellbeing, safeguarding, and service integration.
• Oversee the implementation of the Children Wellbeing and Schools Bill and Medway's statutory response to Families First guidance.
• Design and deliver complex, multi‑agency transformation programmes, ensuring measurable impact and improved outcomes.
• Champion digital innovation, data‑led decision‑making, and evidence‑based planning.
• Represent Medway at regional and national forums, influencing policy and advocating for reform.
• Drive strategic alignment across partners—including Health, Education, Police, and the Voluntary & Community Sector.

About You

We are looking for an experienced, forward‑thinking leader who can shape the future of children's services in Medway and beyond.

Essential Criteria Include

• Educated to Master's degree level (Level 7) in a relevant field such as Public Policy, Management, or Advanced Leadership.
• Professional qualification in programme/project management (e.g. PRINCE2 Practitioner, MSP).
• Extensive experience leading large‑scale, cross‑sector transformation programmes within local government or a related public sector setting.
• Highly developed understanding of national policy frameworks for children's services and local government transformation.
• In‑depth knowledge of safeguarding, equality, employment law, and other statutory frameworks.
• Excellent strategic thinking, political awareness, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Why Medway?

Medway is a place of ambition and opportunity—home to diverse communities, rich heritage, and a forward‑looking vision for public service reform. We're committed to improving outcomes for children and families through innovation, collaboration, and transformation.

Join us and play a key role in shaping the future of public services in Medway—and potentially across a new North Kent footprint.