At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose - to improve people's lives.

Are you an experienced project manager with a passion for improving children's and families' lives?

We're looking for a dynamic and driven Project Manager to lead and deliver impactful change across our Children's and Early Years Education Services, with a particular focus on ensuring delivery of the national Best Start in Life Programme.

This programme is a transformative initiative focused on improving the good level of development (GLD) for children at the end of their reception year and improving outcomes for children from conception to age 5. This will be achieved through better support for families through Best Start Family Hubs, improving access to early years education and improving quality in the early years improving reception.

Working collaboratively across early childhood services to ensure new parents receive the right help at the right time. As part of this role, you'll be instrumental in driving forward the programme's ambitions and delivering meaningful, lasting change.

About the Role
As a Project Manager - Children's Transformation, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and supporting the delivery of projects that improve outcomes for children, young people, and families. You will work closely with senior leaders, including the Director of Children's Services and the Best Start in Life Strategic Group, as well as those with lived experience to drive forward the Best Start in Life plan and ensure successful delivery of its benefits.

You will:
• Lead the planning and delivery of complex projects within Children's Services, Education and Public Health
• Be a part of multi-disciplinary teams with external contractors.
• Use agile and waterfall methodologies to implement change and track project performance.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to build strong partnerships ensure alignment with strategic goals.
• Contribute to council's ambition to become data insight led.

About You
We're seeking someone with:
• A degree or equivalent experience in relevant discipline (e.g., children's services or project management).
• A recognised project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2 APM PMQ Agile PMQ) or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in project or programme management ideally within local authority children's services and early years setting.
• An understanding interest in early childhood services and relevant legislation wider systems supporting children and families.
• Excellent communication stakeholder engagement leadership skills
• A "can do" attitude who will actively seek solutions problems that arise through life programme

If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what's involved, please contact Gina Bartlett, Portfolio Manager by email gina_bartlett@bathnes.gov.uk.

Interview date: 22/04/2026

Please No Agencies

*Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council's at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible

About Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

Why Bath and North East Somerset Council?

We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits

At Bath and North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose - to improve peoples lives. Find out more about our values at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion athttps://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity

We are a Disability Confident Employer - find out more at https://shorturl.at/ajrsW

The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Please note that this role is subject to an Basic DBS Check.

Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.