Job Title: Improvement Manager Starting Salary: £46,731 progressing to £51,802 per annum Hours: 37.0 Location: Stevenage Contract Type: Fixed Term End Date/Secondment for up to 18 months Directorate: Childrens Services About the team We are actively recruiting for an Improvement Manager within the Children's Services Improvement Team. The post holder will manage a portfolio of projects supporting innovation, improved performance and good practice across children's social care. About the role The post holder will: Contribute to and take accountability for specific elements of large and complex projects which are managed by the Improvement Team. Activities will range from identifying and analysing complex data and developing innovative solutions to building relationships across partner organisations. Project manage and be accountable for a portfolio of projects relating to the implementation of local and national policy on behalf of Children's Services Core Board and senior managers within the team including the management of project resources. Work proactively with senior managers to identify and plan future activities in relation to the improvement of service performance and outcomes for children and young people. Undertake line management and team development responsibilities as required within the Improvement Team. About you Essential: Experience of undertaking complex analysis and presenting results to a range of audiences. Experience of project management Experience of meeting and workshop management e.g. planning the agenda and process, facilitation. Experience of influencing senior managers and managing change Experience of line management and team development Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to recognise and respond appropriately to situations requiring tactful or diplomatic handling at all levels of the organisation. Ability to manage a portfolio of complex and high-profile projects with minimal supervision. Ability to operate in sensitive political environments. Ability to interpret, summarise and draw conclusions from complex data. Ability to confidently and competently present findings to senior managers, Members and to staff in politically sensitive situations. Desirable Knowledge of local government, in particular knowledge of the legislative and policy drivers behind the work of Children's Services. Full UK driving licence and regular access to a vehicle. We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role. This job role is within the Corporate Services, level CORP12 job profile. Please locate this via: Job profiles - Corporate services To hear more about this opportunity please contact Jon Maggs (jon.magshertfordshire.gov.uk / 01992 555187) for an informal discussion about the role. Interview Date: 31st March 2025 Benefits of working for us How to apply As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert / job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences. Secondment This position is open to secondments. If you work for HCC or any other Local Authority and would like to be considered as a Secondment contract, please ensure you complete the Secondment Form as part of your application. If you do not, your application will be considered as a Fixed Term Contract only. Disability Confident We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. Safeguarding This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. English Fluency The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.