Head of Strategic Development

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC624494

Salary Range: £82,339 - £92,410 per annum

Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working)

Hours per week: 37

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 13 July 2026

Interview Date: 22 July 2026

The Role:

Joining us as the Head of Strategic Development, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of early help and intervention and prevention across Hampshire. In this pivotal, newly created role, you will lead the development and implementation of services that provide children, young people and families with the right support at the right time, improving outcomes, reducing inequality and helping to prevent the need for statutory intervention.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Children's Services and as a member of the Directorate's senior leadership team, you will play a key role in translating national reform priorities, including the Families First Partnership programme and Best Start Family Hubs, into successful sustainable local services. Working across a complex and evolving landscape, you will drive innovation, strengthen partnerships and help build a connected system of support that enables every child and family to thrive.

What you’ll do:

• Lead the strategic direction and operations of Hampshire's early help and intervention and prevention services, including Best Start Family Hubs.
• Drive the design, delivery, operations and continuous improvement of high-quality early help services, ensuring alignment with national reforms.
• Build and sustain strong partnerships across health, education, policing and the voluntary and community sector to improve outcomes for children and families.
• Oversee the implementation and long-term sustainability of Best Start Family Hubs as part of an integrated support offer.
• Lead performance, quality assurance and service improvement activities, using data and insight to maximise impact.
• Manage budgets, commissioning and resources while developing a skilled, strengths-based workforce.

What we’re looking for:

• Significant senior leadership experience within early help, family support, prevention or related place-based services.
• Strong knowledge of the Families First Partnership programme, Best Start Family Hubs, Family Help and wider early intervention and prevention policy. 
• Proven experience of leading complex systems, service transformation and partnership-based delivery.
• Strong strategic leadership skills, with the ability to translate vision into effective operational delivery.
• Experience of managing complex budgets, driving performance and leading through change, inspection and political scrutiny.
• Exceptional communication, influencing and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work credibly at senior level and drive improvement across organisational boundaries.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Head of Strategic Development role, team and our values. The ‘About you’ section explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application.

Why join us?

• Shape a newly created role with county-wide impact, influencing how early help and intervention and prevention services are designed and delivered for children and families across Hampshire.
• Build on a strong foundation of innovation and Outstanding children’s services, leading ambitious reform and creating lasting, positive change for communities.
• Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here. 

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK.

Other job titles you may be searching for may include: Head of Early Help, Head of Early Help and Prevention, Head of Family Hubs, Strategic Lead for Early Help, Head of Children's Early Intervention Services.

Travel Requirements:

You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire or other local authority, and it is essential that you have a current drivers’ licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.   

Additional Information:

Head of Strategic Development Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements:

The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

For general enquiries, please contact care.careers@hants.gov.uk
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Kavitha Maxy, Deputy Director of Children's Services on kavitha.maxy@hants.gov.uk