Project Manager (Best Start Family Hubs)

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

29 days annual leave (pro rata)

LGPS pension

Flexible working options

Job summary

Suffolk County Council is seeking a Best Start Family Hubs Project Manager in Ipswich to drive delivery of the family hubs, from local plans to day-to-day operations. You will report to the Programme Lead and work with health, education and early years partners to translate national policy into local services that improve outcomes for babies, children and families.

This hands-on, fast-moving role balances planned deliverables with flexible priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver projects that put Suffolk's Best Start Family Hub approach into practice. This runs from the Best Start Local Plan and its delivery plans through to setting up and running the family hubs.
• Work with partners across the Strategic Alliance, including health, education and early years, to turn national policy into local services that improve outcomes for babies, children and families.
• Make sure the work joins up with the Families First Partnership Programme and help develop and launch Suffolk's Early Help Strategy.
• Use data, insight and evidence to measure outcomes and show the impact of Best Start services.
• Manage project plans, risks, dependencies, governance, grant budgets and reporting, and write clear briefings for senior stakeholders and governance boards.
• Run workshops and consultations with families and professionals, so their views shape how services are designed and delivered.

Job description

• Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX. Hybrid working
• Salary: £49,752 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
• Contract: Fixed Term Contract or Secondment is externally funded by Best Start Family Hubs Transformation grant, expected to end 1 May 2028, subject to funding continuation. 2 positions available

Suffolk County Council

• Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX. Hybrid working
• Salary: £49,752 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
• Contract: Fixed Term Contract or Secondment is externally funded by Best Start Family Hubs Transformation grant, expected to end 1 May 2028, subject to funding continuation. 2 positions available

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, at Suffolk County Council we’re driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your Role and Responsibilities

Since April 2026, every local authority has had to deliver the Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies Programme.

As our Best Start Family Hubs Project Manager, you'll play a central role in making it work for Suffolk, and you'll report to the Programme Lead.

• Lead and deliver projects that put Suffolk's Best Start Family Hub approach into practice. This runs from the Best Start Local Plan and its delivery plans through to setting up and running the family hubs.
• Work with partners across the Strategic Alliance, including health, education and early years, to turn national policy into local services that improve outcomes for babies, children and families.
• Make sure the work joins up with the Families First Partnership Programme and help develop and launch Suffolk's Early Help Strategy.
• Use data, insight and evidence to measure outcomes and show the impact of Best Start services.
• Manage project plans, risks, dependencies, governance, grant budgets and reporting, and write clear briefings for senior stakeholders and governance boards.
• Run workshops and consultations with families and professionals, so their views shape how services are designed and delivered.

This is a hands‑on, fast‑moving role. You'll need to balance planned programme deliverables with flexible support as new priorities come up. If you know Suffolk's children's services and how they connect, that will help you get things moving quickly.

Find Out About What Makes Our Ideal Worker.

The team

The CYPS Programmes team at Suffolk County Council is a dynamic group of dedicated professionals who deliver essential social care and inclusion services while driving organisational change and improvement. Working at the forefront of children and young people's services, the team consistently adapts to evolving needs and proactively responds to national reforms with creativity and resilience. They foster an environment where innovation thrives, empowering team members to develop solutions that make a meaningful difference in young lives across Suffolk.

This role is part of the team's growing portfolio of reform programmes. It works alongside the Families First Partnership Programme to support the national rollout of Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies across Suffolk.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Michael Parker-Canham (he/him) for a casual conversation. You can contact him by emailing [e-mail]

Closing date

11.30 pm, 19 November 2026.

Promoted as SPJ (Standard Plus Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

About Us

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more! If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).