Director of Adult Social Care Operations

West Northamptonshire Council; Northampton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in England seeks a Director of Adult Social Care Operations to lead the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care. This role involves managing budgets, engaging with stakeholders, and implementing national agendas while ensuring continuous improvement and inclusivity in social care services. The ideal candidate will have extensive leadership experience in adult social care, strong communication skills, and relevant qualifications. The position offers a chance to shape practices that enhance residents' lives and promote community wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in senior leadership within adult social care.
• Deep knowledge of national health and social care agenda.
• Great communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the adult social care service organisation to deliver high quality care.
• Manage significant budgets and resources for sustainability.
• Engage with political stakeholders regarding service performance.

Skills

Senior leadership in adult social care

Communication and stakeholder engagement

Collaboration

Commitment to equality and inclusion

Education

Degree and postgraduate qualifications

Job description

Director of Adult Social Care Operations

West Northamptonshire Council is looking for a values‑led leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Director of Adult Social Care Operations. This pivotal role will put our residents at the centre of our work and enable lives by increasing choice, control, inclusion and equity through social care practice.

Overview

You will oversee the delivery of adult social care services across West Northamptonshire, ensuring they are focused on meeting the needs of people who draw upon care and support in a way that delivers the best value and meets best practice. You will work closely with partners—including providers, NHS colleagues, voluntary organisations and community groups—to co‑design and deliver services that meet local needs. Your leadership will support us in shaping ways of working that can resolve crisis and offer early intervention, while ensuring high standards of practice and continuous improvement across the workforce.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the adult social care service organisation to deliver high quality, person centred care.
• Drive innovation, improve outcomes and champion independence and wellbeing for adults across the communities.
• Manage significant budgets and resources to deliver value for money and long‑term sustainability.
• Co‑design services in partnership with providers, NHS colleagues, voluntary organisations and community groups.
• Support the implementation of national health and social care agendas, regulatory frameworks, safeguarding and safeguarding.
• Engage with political stakeholders and report to senior leadership on service performance.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in senior leadership within adult social care, with a track record of leading practice change.
• Deep knowledge of the national health and social care agenda, regulatory frameworks, social work practice and safeguarding.
• Great communication and stakeholder engagement skills with political awareness.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to lead teams and partnerships.
• A commitment to equality, inclusion and continuous improvement.
• Relevant qualifications at degree and postgraduate level, with evidence of ongoing professional development.

EEO Statement

West Northamptonshire Council is committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC and everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and maximise their full potential. We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner. WNC’s EEO policy states that we are an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic.