Vacancy details

We are looking for an exceptional Programme Manager to lead the delivery of the Best Start in Life programme. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and drive meaningful system-wide transformation. You will bring strategic vision, strong partnership management skills and proven experience of leading complex programmes, ensuring services are aligned, integrated and delivering lasting impact for our communities.

This role is full time on a fixed term / secondment basis for one year.

At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer a variety of flexible working practices, including options for remote working and arrangements that allow you to work from home, dependent on the needs of the service.

(Any successful internal candidate will be offered the position as a secondment and, in line with Section 8.1 of the Secondment Policy, must consult with their manager before applying. Search ‘secondment policy’ on the intranet for more information.)

About you...

You will be an experienced Programme Manager able to lead delivery of the Best Start in Life programme, driving improved outcomes for children and families from pregnancy to school age.

You will provide strategic leadership, manage complex partnerships and lead system-wide transformation across early help, early years, health and education.

About the team...

You will join a supportive and forward-thinking Early Help Service within the People Directorate.

The team is ambitious, collaborative and committed to improving outcomes for children and families through strong partnership working and innovation.

Based at The Rowans Family Hub in Bracknell, you will work flexibly across the borough alongside colleagues in early years, social care, health, education and the voluntary sector to deliver integrated, high-quality services, with opportunities for flexible and home working.

Key responsibilities...

• Lead delivery of the Best Start in Life programme, ensuring alignment with national guidance, statutory duties and local priorities
• Drive system-wide integration across partners, embedding Family Hubs, Families First and SEND reforms.
• Lead strategic planning, commissioning and procurement of high-quality, preventative services.
• Establish robust governance, performance monitoring and reporting to senior leaders and partners.
• Provide leadership and support to partners and stakeholders, strengthening workforce capability and delivering measurable outcomes for families.

Our benefits...

• 28 days annual leave increasing to 33 days after 3 years’ continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days.
• Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance. 
• Paid employee volunteering scheme.
• Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility).
• Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits. (Terms and Conditions apply)
• Career development through internal and external training opportunities. 
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave. 
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing
• Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club. 

Find out more about all our benefits or see the candidate pack.

Our values...

At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you. 

Reasonable adjustments...

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. We will work with you to support you throughout the process. Find out more about reasonable adjustments.

Interview date

Interviews will be held on Friday 26 June 2026

Interviews will be held online via the Teams app. We reserve the right to amend this to in person interviews at our offices.

We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.

Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.

Want to ask us a question?

For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:

Donna Leedham, Head of Early Help

Tel.: 01344 351886

Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check as part of our pre-employment checks process.

We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK.

Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis.

No agencies please. 

Equal Opportunities

Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

How to apply

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please include a personal statement with your CV specifying why you are applying for this vacancy.