Job Title: Corporate Strategy and Performance Lead (Children & Young People’s Performance Lead – Cover)

Contract Duration: 3-Month Fixed-Term Contract

Summary

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of strategies and service plans aligned with corporate priorities, focusing on Children’s Services.
  


• Contribute to setting objectives, targets, and policy development across the Directorate and the wider Council.
  


• Provide strategic advice and insight to senior leaders, Management Board, and Executive members.
  


• Drive continuous improvement and transformation across Children and Families services.
  

Operational Management

• Manage and develop a team of Strategy and Performance professionals, ensuring high performance and effective delivery.
  


• Oversee and manage the workflow across the Children’s Services Strategy and Performance Team, ensuring priorities are met within deadlines.
  


• Review and improve structures, processes, and ways of working to enhance service efficiency and effectiveness.
  


• Lead transformation programs and contribute to organizational change initiatives.
  

Performance & Intelligence

• Lead on performance management for Children and Young People’s services.
  


• Oversee the development and delivery of performance frameworks and reporting.
  


• Use data and intelligence to inform decision-making, identify trends, and drive service improvement.
  


• Provide insight into national and local policy developments and their impact on Children’s Services.
  

Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal departments, partners, and external agencies.
  


• Engage with Children’s Services leadership teams and key stakeholders.
  


• Influence and negotiate with senior leaders, partners, and elected members.
  


• Promote collaborative and joined-up working across services.
  

Communications

• Deliver high-quality reports, briefings, and presentations to senior stakeholders.
  


• Communicate performance outcomes and strategic priorities effectively.
  


• Manage complex or sensitive issues, including escalation where required.
  

Resource & Financial Management

• Manage allocated budgets in line with financial regulations.
  


• Ensure effective allocation and utilization of staffing resources.
  


• Lead workforce planning, performance management, and staff development.
  

Governance & Safeguarding

• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, guidance, and professional standards.
  


• Promote safeguarding and prioritize the welfare of children and young people.
  


• Maintain accurate records, reporting, and documentation.
  

Experience Required

• Significant experience in Children and Families / Children’s Services performance within a local authority.
  


• Extensive experience in strategy development, policy implementation, and performance management within a complex organization.
  


• Proven experience of leading and managing teams, including performance and development.
  


• Experience managing high-volume workloads and coordinating delivery across teams.
  


• Demonstrable experience of driving organizational change and transformation programs.
  


• Experience working with senior stakeholders, elected members, and external partners.
  


• Strong experience using data, performance frameworks, and intelligence to inform decisions.
  

Qualifications & Skills

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
  


• Postgraduate or management qualification (desirable).
  

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of Children’s Services performance frameworks, policy, and legislation.
  


• Advanced understanding of strategy development, consultation, engagement, and equality frameworks.
  


• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
  


• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  


• Exceptional communication skills, including report writing and presentations.
  


• Ability to influence and negotiate at a senior level.
  


• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities and workflow.
  

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and decision-making
  


• Leadership and team development
  


• Children’s Services performance expertise
  


• Stakeholder engagement and influencing
  


• Performance-driven and results-oriented
  


• Resilient and adaptable to change
  


• High level of integrity and professionalism
  

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel across North Yorkshire and occasionally beyond
  


• Pay frequency: Bi-weekly
  


• Working hours: 37 hours per week
  


• Location: Northallerton