Project Manager - Childrens Services - Local Authority

Reed; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public sector organisation is seeking two Project Managers to join their Quality Assurance and Improvement Team at Barnsley Council’s Children’s Services. This role involves leading significant projects aimed at enhancing children's services. Candidates should have extensive experience in managing complex projects, a Level 6 qualification, and strong skills in communication and budget management. The position offers a competitive hourly rate and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive hourly rate

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing large, complex change projects.
• Proven ability to advise senior managers.
• Strong understanding of policy development and service improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage projects ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.
• Provide expert advice, communicate key milestones, monitor risks.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for stakeholders.

Skills

Project/Programme Management training

Resource management

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Organisational skills

Education

Level 6 qualification (degree or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft applications

Job description

Project Manager

• Hourly Rate: £25 per hour PAYE (Umbrella options available)
• Location: Barnsley Council – Children’s Services
• Job Type: Full time hours, Interim

We are seeking two dedicated Project Managers to join our Quality Assurance and Improvement Team at Barnsley Council’s Children’s Services. These roles are crucial for supporting our Looked After Children (LAC) Sufficiency Strategy and the SEND & Alternative Provision (AP) Sufficiency Programme.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Lead and manage projects ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget using formal project management frameworks.
• Provide expert advice, communicate key milestones, monitor risks, and resolve issues as they arise.
• Analyse complex data to support service improvement and identify opportunities for implementing better systems and processes.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for various stakeholders.
• Allocate tasks and responsibilities to project teams, overseeing large budgets without direct line management.
• Contribute to the development of service strategies and policies.
• Collaborate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders, maintaining alignment with council regulations and policies.
• Stay informed about relevant local and national developments that impact children’s services.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Level 6 qualification, such as a degree or equivalent experience
• Essential: Training in Project/Programme Management.
• Desirable: Formal qualification in Project/Programme Management.
• Extensive experience in managing large, complex change projects within a similar environment.
• Proven ability to advise senior managers and work with external agencies.
• Strong understanding of policy development, service improvement, and budget management.
• Knowledge of local and national policies relevant to children’s services and project management principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications and an understanding of the challenges faced by local government.

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent resource management skills, including managing people, finances, and tools.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to work effectively at senior levels and manage conflicts.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with a capacity to motivate others and drive performance.
• Flexible working attitude and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Willingness to travel as required for the role.

Benefits:

• Competitive hourly rate with PAYE and Umbrella options.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Involvement in significant projects that have a direct impact on community services.
• Supportive team environment within a major public sector organisation.

To apply for the Project Manager position, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role.