Job search

Digital Transformation Programme Manager (Income Maximisation)

Contract Type: 6-Month Interim Contract

Location: Hybrid - 3 days in office (London), 2 days remote

Rate: £600 per day (Inside IR35)

We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager to lead high-impact transformation initiatives within a public sector setting. This role focuses on income maximisation, debt reduction, and boosting operational efficiency through innovative digital solutions. You will oversee governance, stakeholder engagement, and lead a multidisciplinary team to deliver strategic programmes effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Spearhead income-maximising strategies and shift towards payment-in-advance models to minimise outstanding debt.
• Develop and implement governance frameworks for clear accountability and risk management.
• Lead, mentor, and coordinate a team across multiple departments and external partners.
• Drive process automation and operational efficiencies by optimising existing IT systems.
• Maintain a strong programme narrative, communicating benefits to stakeholders, including executive leaders and partners.
• Champion revenue collection enhancements via automation and digital tools, while elevating customer experience.
• Align departments with programme milestones and ensure readiness for change.
• Monitor financial impacts and adjust programme strategies for maximum benefit.
• Cultivate relationships with stakeholders and act as a main transformation point of contact.
• Prepare and oversee the monthly Income and Debt Board pack with clear progress reports and strategic guidance.
• Simplify complex information into insights for non-technical audiences to gain support.
• Keep senior leadership updated with progress, challenges, and outcomes.
• Manage programme budgets with accurate forecasting and resource allocation.
• Identify and handle programme dependencies in collaboration with relevant parties.

Person Specification

• Proven track record managing programmes focused on income maximisation and debt reduction.
• Expertise in delivering automation and digital transformation projects.
• Strong governance, budget management, and risk mitigation skills.
• Collaborative leader capable of guiding multidisciplinary teams in complex environments.
• Experience with public sector finance initiatives or related transformation programmes.

Technical & Leadership Qualifications:

• PRINCE2 certification required; MSP or APM certifications highly desirable.
• Familiarity with programme management tools (MSP, APM) and digital frameworks (Agile/Waterfall).
• Competence with tools like MS Project and Asure DevOps.
• Degree or substantial relevant experience.
• Experience with systems like NEC, Oracle Fusion, Pay360, or Abacus is beneficial but not essential.

Revenue and Benefits Systems Manager

Location: London (Local Authority)
Contract: Interim
Rate: Up to £500 per day (Umbrella, inside IR35)

About the Role
We are recruiting for an experienced Revenue and Benefits Systems Manager to join a London-based local authority on an interim basis. This pivotal role will provide leadership in managing IT systems supporting the Revenues, Benefits, and Discretionary Benefits functions. The ideal candidate will play a crucial part in driving strategic technology initiatives and ensuring optimal system performance to enhance service delivery to residents and businesses.

Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee and manage all IT systems related to Revenues and Benefits, including system upgrades, patches, and security access controls.
- Lead teams responsible for system administration and government return submissions, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.
- Maintain statutory subsidy reporting requirements, monitor expenditure, and protect the council's housing benefit subsidy.
- Foster effective relationships with third-party suppliers, manage contracts, and oversee outsourced services to ensure compliance with service-level agreements.
- Collaborate with Digital Services to coordinate system enhancements and upgrades, aligning with P/DSS, GDPR, and other mandatory requirements.
- Guide teams through digital transformation projects, developing roadmaps, and implementing new processes to drive improvements.
- Respond to statutory and local scheme requirements, implementing new processes and addressing information requests.
- Lead year-end activities for Council Tax, Business Rates, and Benefits, ensuring seamless updates and accurate reporting for financial forecasting.
- Work closely with finance teams to reconcile payments and subsidy claims, maintaining audit compliance.
- Support service delivery improvement through innovative technological solutions, including robotics and automation.

About You:
- Degree level or equivalent experience; IT reporting qualifications (e.g., QBF SQL).
- Significant expertise in managing IT systems for Revenues and Benefits, including Capita's Academy System. Familiarity with EDMS systems like NEC Enterprise is preferred.
- Strong knowledge of SQL, database management, and running bespoke queries.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, providing motivation, supervision, and clear performance management.
- Experience in managing third-party relationships and service-level agreements.
- Proven track record in coordinating audits, managing system security, and adhering to data protection regulations.
- Skilled in delivering digital transformation and working closely with senior stakeholders to ensure readiness for technological change.
- Adept at identifying system errors, coordinating resolutions, and proactively managing system upgrades and risk mitigation.

This is an excellent opportunity for a strategic and detail-oriented professional to make a substantial impact within a local authority.

Interim Assistant Director of Culture, Customer and Residents

Location: Surrey
Salary: £600 per day (Umbrella/inside IR35)
Contract Type: Interim
Work Arrangement: Hybrid working

About the Role:
A leading local authority in Surrey is seeking an Assistant Director of Culture, Customer and Residents on an interim basis. This strategic role is critical in delivering high-quality services and shaping the council's direction to foster positive community outcomes. As a key member of the leadership team, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategies that enhance customer experiences, strengthen community engagement, and champion cultural initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:
- Provide visionary and operational leadership for service areas including Culture and Heritage, Customer Fulfilment and Experience, Neighbourhood and Community Involvement, and Community Safety.
- Develop and implement the council's Customer Improvement Strategy and Plan, ensuring high standards in customer service.
- Manage community partnerships, grants, and contracts with organizations such as local voluntary action groups and citizen advisory services.
- Oversee the delivery of arts programs and cultural strategies, including those aligned with key local initiatives.
- Drive service transformation, fostering creativity and sustainable practices to enhance service delivery within budget constraints.
- Build trusted relationships across diverse community groups, ensuring inclusive and meaningful engagement.
- Lead contract management and performance assessments to achieve effective outcomes and compliance with statutory obligations.

About You:
- Demonstrable track record in senior leadership roles involving strategic direction, contract management, and service delivery.
- Inspirational leader adept at promoting inclusivity, driving cultural change, and managing complex service areas.
- Ability to plan effectively, deliver shared outcomes, and align services with council goals.
- Experience in building partnerships within communities and engaging with stakeholders to elevate customer satisfaction.
- Proven history of service improvement and successful implementation of customer-focused strategies.
- Able to navigate financial challenges creatively and sustain high performance under evolving circumstances.

Skills and Qualifications:
- Evidence of continuous professional development.
- Strong political acumen and understanding of governance.
- Skilled in fostering relationships and collaboration across sectors.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and sustainability in service delivery.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead impactful initiatives and contribute to the strategic vision of a dynamic local authority.