Executive Director Health and Social Care

Local Government Chronicle; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional council in Liverpool is seeking an Executive Director for Health and Social Care. This strategic position requires a seasoned leader with experience in transforming complex health and care systems. You will champion integration and prevention while overseeing the planning and delivery of high-quality services for the community. Ideal candidates should possess a strong track record in leadership and collaboration, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Values-driven authority

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Experience in transformation within health and care systems.
• Proven track record in leadership roles.
• Familiarity with statutory duties of a Director of Adult Social Services.

Responsibilities

• Provide system-wide leadership in health and social care.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality, person-centred services.
• Discharge statutory duties as Director of Adult Social Services.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Leadership

Partnership building

Political astuteness

Job description

Executive Director – Health and Social Care (SCP 301-304)

£125,712 – £137,831 per annum

Ref: CVP 0501

Location: Liverpool, UK

Employment: Permanent

About the role

Knowsley is ambitious for its people. Fresh from a really positive CQC outcome (Good in all areas and in the top 4 in the country), we are building on strong foundations to deliver the best possible health and adult social care for our communities. As our new Executive Director (Health & Social Care), you’ll provide inspirational, system‑wide leadership‑setting strategic direction, championing prevention and integration, and turning vision into impact.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will provide clear, decisive leadership across Adult Social Care, Public Health and Whole Life Commissioning, ensuring the planning, design and delivery of high‑quality, person‑centred services for the people of Knowsley. You’ll be empowered and fully accountable for outcomes within your remit, making decisions that improve lives every day.

You will discharge the statutory duties of the Director of Adult Social Services (DASS), offering expert strategic advice on statutory functions and professional practice. You will be a key member of the Executive Management Team—working corporately to deliver our Council Plan and Borough‑wide priorities.

About You

We are looking for an accomplished senior leader with a track record of delivering transformation at scale across complex health and care systems. You will bring credibility as a statutory DASS (or readiness to step into the role), exceptional partnership skills, and the confidence to influence at local, regional and national levels. You will combine strategic insight with practical delivery—aligning performance, people and resources to achieve better outcomes and value for money. You will need to be collaborative, partnership‑focused, politically astute, and inspired by our Knowsley Better Together approach.

This role carries corporate responsibilities across the Council—supporting members as community leaders, leading priority initiatives and, when needed, deputising for the Chief Executive.

Why Knowsley?

We are a values‑driven authority with a clear plan, strong partnerships and a shared ambition to improve lives. You’ll find a committed team, an inclusive culture, and the freedom to innovate.

Flexible Working

We will consider requests for flexible working. For most roles, the following types of flexibility are usually possible: flexible hours, working from home, compressed hours and part‑time.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We welcome applications from residents and beyond, regardless of background, belief or identity, recognising the value that diversity brings to our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and candidates with disabilities, as we acknowledge their underrepresentation in our workforce.

Key Dates

• Closing Date – 1 February 2026
• Technical Longlist Interview – 5 February 2026
• Assessment Centre (In Person) – 26 February 2026
• Employment and Appointments Committee (In Person) – 27 February 2026

How to Apply

If you are interested in this vacancy, please upload your CV along with a supporting statement as one document in PDF or Word format. Your CV and supporting statement should be tailored to reflect the competencies within the person specification. Please note, if a CV and supporting statement do not reflect the person specification, it is unlikely to be shortlisted.

For further details, please visit our website via the apply button shown.

At Knowsley, we value our applicants and want them to feel well‑informed and welcomed. If you have any questions about this specific job role or what it is like to work at Knowsley, please contact James Duncan, Chief Executive.

Contact

James Duncan
Chief Executive
Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Liverpool, UK