Head of Service - Operations | Adult Social Care

Lancashire County Council; Preston; On-site; GBP 77,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Lancashire is seeking an experienced Head of Operations to transform adult social care services. This senior role focuses on delivering high-quality, person-centred care while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and driving performance. The ideal candidate will have extensive leadership experience in Adult Social Care and a proven track record in service development. The position offers competitive salary and generous benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Local Government Pension Scheme

26 days annual leave plus holidays

Staff discount scheme

Access to career opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading large-scale operational teams in Adult Social Care or Health.
• Ability to shape and deliver service plans aligned with legislative and policy frameworks.
• A visible and motivational leader for the adult social care workforce.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational delivery of adult social care services across Lancashire.
• Ensure compliance with CQC standards and statutory duties under the Care Act.
• Drive service improvement and workforce development.

Skills

Operational Leadership Excellence

Strategic Service Development

Workforce Champion

Collaborative System Leader

Job description

Job Description

Salary £77,833 - £85,119 per annum | Permanent, Full Time 37 hours per week | Adult Social Care

Lancashire County Council is seeking a Head of Operations to lead and transform adult social care services across the county. This is a senior leadership role with strategic responsibility for delivering high-quality, person-centred care that meets the needs of our diverse communities.

You'll be at the forefront of operational delivery, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, driving performance, and fostering a resilient and skilled workforce. Your leadership will shape the future of adult social care in Lancashire, aligned with our Living Better Lives in Lancashire vision and the Leading Lancashire Framework.

Responsibilities

• Leading the operational delivery of adult social care services across Lancashire.
• Ensuring compliance with CQC standards and statutory duties under the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act.
• Driving service improvement, workforce development, and budget management.
• Championing customer-focused care and embed inclusive, strength-based leadership.
• Representing Adult Services at strategic forums and influence policy and practice.

What We’re Looking For

• Operational Leadership Excellence: Extensive experience leading large-scale, diverse operational teams in Adult Social Care or Health, with a strong track record of delivering high-quality services in a regulated environment.
• Strategic Service Development: Ability to shape and deliver service plans aligned with legislative and policy frameworks, including the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act, while driving continuous improvement and transformation.
• Workforce Champion: A visible and motivational leader who builds resilience and excellence across the adult social care workforce through effective supervision, development, and performance management.
• Collaborative System Leader: Skilled in partnership working across agencies and communities, with the ability to influence policy, represent the council externally, and lead whole-system approaches to improve outcomes for residents.

Closing Date: 23rd October 2025

Interview date: 4-6th November

Why join us?

By joining Lancashire County Council, you can shape the career path that is right for you, with opportunities to gain personal and professional qualifications, coaching, and mentoring. Lancashire County Council truly is the place where you can have the career you’ve always wanted.

In return for your passion and expertise, we offer a generous benefits package, which includes:

• A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
• A great holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave, which increases with length of service. You will also be entitled to 8 Bank Holidays, 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays, and have the option to buy additional leave each year.
• Our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup, allowing you to access discounts with a range of UK retailers, saving on everything from weekly food shops to white goods and cars.
• Access to fantastic development and career opportunities.

Job Description & Person Specification