Transformation Project Manager

About us.

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The role.

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Project Manager (Transformation) to join our Commissioning and Transformation Children Services area. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering strategic transformation programmes that improve outcomes for children, young people and families, whilst ensuring best value for the organisation.

In this role, you will lead and manage a portfolio of projects and workstreams, supporting the design, implementation and evaluation of service improvements and organisational change. You will work collaboratively with colleagues, partners and stakeholders to develop innovative solutions, provide expert project management support and ensure that projects are delivered on time, within scope and achieve their intended benefits.

You will be responsible for coordinating complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, undertaking detailed analysis and evidence gathering, monitoring progress against agreed objectives and supporting the delivery of strategic priorities. You will also contribute to the development of best practice approaches to programme and project management across the Council, whilst building strong partnerships with internal teams and external agencies. This role offers an excellent opportunity to influence change, support service redesign and make a tangible difference to local communities.

Key responsibilities.

• Lead and deliver a portfolio of transformation and change projects, ensuring agreed outcomes, timescales and benefits are achieved.
• Support the design, development and implementation of service improvement and redesign programmes that improve outcomes for service users and deliver value for money.
• Undertake research, analysis and evaluation to inform project development, implementation and benefits realisation.
• Develop project plans, risk registers, governance arrangements and reporting mechanisms to support effective project delivery.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the Council, partner agencies, education, health and social care services to support collaborative working and successful delivery.
• Lead and coordinate stakeholder engagement activities, ensuring services, partners and communities are involved in shaping change initiatives.
• Prepare reports, business cases and recommendations for senior leaders, boards and partnership groups, presenting complex information clearly and effectively.
• Monitor project performance, budgets and outcomes, identifying risks and taking proactive action to address issues and barriers to delivery.
• Provide professional advice, guidance and support to colleagues on project management methodologies and change management approaches.
• Contribute to the development of a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and evidence-based decision making across services.
• Support and mentor colleagues where appropriate, promoting best practice and strengthening organisational capability in project and programme management.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

This position is currently based at our Town Hall offices.

Work style.

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 2-3 days in the office.
• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About you.

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about delivering positive change and improving services for children, young people and families. You will be an organised and proactive project professional with excellent communication skills, capable of building strong relationships and driving projects from concept through to delivery.

Essential criteria:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent, or able to demonstrate significant relevant experience in project management, transformation, commissioning, service improvement or a related field.
• Experience of managing and delivering complex projects or workstreams involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities and challenging timescales.
• Knowledge and understanding of project management methodologies, programme governance, risk management and performance monitoring.
• Experience of supporting organisational change, service redesign, transformation programmes or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to gather, interpret and present complex information to inform decision-making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience of facilitating meetings, workshops and stakeholder engagement activities to achieve agreed outcomes.
• Ability to identify risks, issues and dependencies and develop practical solutions to support successful project delivery.
• Experience of preparing reports, presentations, business cases and briefing papers for senior leaders, boards or partnership groups.
• Ability to manage and prioritise a varied workload, working independently whilst maintaining high standards and meeting agreed deadlines.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to coordinate activity across multiple projects simultaneously.
• Commitment to collaborative working, continuous improvement and delivering positive outcomes for children, young people and families.
• Understanding of relevant legislation, policy and guidance affecting children's services, education, SEND, health or local government services.
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Teams.
• Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle for business use, or be able to demonstrate an alternative means of meeting the travel requirements of the role.

Desirable criteria:

• Recognised project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, APM, Agile Practitioner or equivalent).
• Experience of working within local government, education, health, SEND or children's services environments.
• Experience of programme management, benefits realisation and evaluation of service improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of commissioning processes, partnership working and public sector governance arrangements.
• Experience of supporting consultation, co-production and engagement activity with children, young people, families and partner organisation.

What we offer.

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Local Government Pension.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team.
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to apply.

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact information.

For further information about the role, please contact Anthony Webster Assistant Director for Transformation and Commissioning or Helen Caldwell Strategy and Policy Manager, Anthony.webster@n-somerset.gov.uk or helen.caldwell@n-somerset.gov.uk.

Important information.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: Tuesday 10 November 2026.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal opportunities.

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.