Chief Strategy Officer (Children's Reforms And Transformation)

Tempest Resourcing Limited; England; Hybrid; GBP 73,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization in Kent seeks a Chief Strategy Officer to lead transformative initiatives for children's services. The role requires extensive experience in public sector leadership and a Master's degree in a relevant field. Responsibilities include overseeing multi-agency programmes and ensuring compliance with national policies. This position offers a hybrid working model and a salary range of £73,242 - £86,518 per annum.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in public sector transformation, within children's services.
• Proven ability to lead complex programmes with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of National policy frameworks and legislation relevant to the role.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic transformation across People Services focused on children's wellbeing.
• Oversee the implementation of relevant policies and guidance.
• Represent Medway at regional and national forums.

Skills

Public sector transformation

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Complex programme leadership

Education

Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field

Tools

MSP

PRINCE2

Job description

Chief Strategy Officer (Children's Reforms and Transformation)

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

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 design and delivery of 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. 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 Medway's response to Families First statutory guidance.
• Coordinate multi-agency delivery plans and ensure alignment with emerging unitary authority models.
• Represent Medway 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, 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).
• A commitment to Medway's values, safeguarding responsibilities, and corporate parenting duties.
• Highly developed understanding of National policy frameworks relevant to children's services and local government transformation (e.g. Children Wellbeing and Schools Bill).
• In depth knowledge of legislation relevant to the role, including employment law, safeguarding, equality and diversity, and other statutory frameworks that impact service delivery and employee relations.

Why Medway?

Medway is a place of ambition and opportunity. We're committed to improving outcomes for children and families through innovation, partnership, and transformation. Join us and be part of shaping the future of public services in Medway-and potentially across a new North Kent footprint.

CLOSING DATE 15/10/2025

Please contact for further details and a full JD is available on request