Transformation Project Manager (Children, Education & Families)

Job Introduction

About you

Are you skilled at bringing people together? Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people? We’re looking for an experienced Project Manager to drive delivery of our new Education & Inclusion Strategy in partnership with local schools and education settings. 

About us

It’s a really exciting time to join us. As the Project Manager for our Education & Inclusion Strategy, you’ll turn vision into measurable change, working with a range of local partners to remove barriers to learning, narrow the gap in education outcomes, and improve provision from early years to post-16. 

You may also be involved in the wide range of other projects supported by the children, education & families transformation team, which range from children's social care to SEND reform, digital transformation to early help & prevention. 

About the role 

Guided by our values – always learning, kind and caring, and daring to do it differently – you’ll align stakeholders, data and delivery to achieve fair access and better outcomes for all learners. In this role you will lead and manage a programme of work focused on inclusion and educational improvement; work collaboratively with schools, partners and internal stakeholders to embed strategic priorities; establish robust governance, reporting and benefits realisation across all workstreams; drive evidence-based planning with clear milestones, risks and KPIs; and champion innovation and continuous improvement so delivery stays on time, to budget and to quality standards. 

You’ll bring proven experience in project or programme management within an education, inclusion or transformation context; strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across multi-agency environments; the ability to manage complex projects to time, cost and quality; excellent skills in planning, risk, benefits and performance reporting; and an understanding of the education and inclusion landscape (desirable). 

Rewards and benefits

Rewards and benefits include annual leave starting at 30 days plus bank holidays, flexible and hybrid working, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (employer contribution up to 19.9%), an Employee Assistance Programme, cycle to work and electric car schemes, staff discounts and wellbeing support. Find out more: https://jobs.oxfordshire.gov.uk/our-benefits  

Please note due to local government reorganisation this is a fixed-term role until the end of March 2028.

To apply, please complete the online application form, with a focus on explaining how you meet the requirements of the role and person specification. For your application to be considered, please tailor your supporting statement to outline how you meet the criteria for this specific role and what motivates you to apply. 

Please use your own words - applications which make overt use of AI will not be considered. 

Your office base may be subject to change as we are currently transitioning between temporary and permanent office locations due to the closure of County Hall. If this is applicable to you, you will be notified, but no reimbursement will apply in respect of travel.

Our commitment to:
 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of colleague network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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