Head of Services- Scotland and Northern Ireland

ASHDOWN GROUP; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity is looking for a dynamic Head of Service to oversee adult services across Scotland and Northern Ireland. This pivotal senior role requires substantial experience in adult care, leadership, and commercial awareness. The successful candidate will drive change, ensure quality service delivery, and foster partnerships to support independent living.

Benefits

Pension

Healthcare cash plan

Life assurance

Staff discount scheme

Qualifications

• Substantial senior leadership experience in adult social care or related healthcare services.
• Experience with safeguarding leadership and regulatory frameworks (e.g., CQC).
• Track record of managing multi-disciplinary teams and service transformation.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for adult services across the region.
• Champion a culture of inclusion, safeguarding, and continuous improvement.
• Build effective partnerships with local authorities, health bodies, and community stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial acumen

Change management

Financial management

Strategic planning

Collaborative leadership

Education

Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care

Job description

We are seeking a dynamic and commercially aware Head of Service for a national charity to lead and shape their adult services across Scotland and Northern Ireland. This is a pivotal senior role in a values-driven organisation committed to enabling people to live independent, fulfilling lives. The Head of Service will have experience working autonomously, managing challenges, driving change, and ensuring excellence in service delivery.

This is a remote role requiring frequent travel to sites in East Ayrshire, Glasgow, and Northern Ireland, so candidates must have their own transport.

Reporting to the Director of Operational Transformation, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for adult services across your designated region, translating national policy into impactful, local service delivery. In line with the organisation’s values, you will champion a culture of inclusion, safeguarding, and continuous improvement, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance with all regulatory standards. The role will lead transformation, innovation, and change management initiatives, building effective partnerships with local authorities, health bodies, and community stakeholders to facilitate the best outcomes for users.

The ideal candidate will be

1. Substantial senior leadership experience in adult social care or related healthcare services.
2. Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care.
3. Strong commercial acumen with previous experience managing budgets.
4. A track record of managing multi-disciplinary teams and service transformation.
5. Deep understanding of the adult social care/healthcare policy landscape.
6. Experience with safeguarding leadership and regulatory frameworks (e.g., CQC).
7. Strong financial management, strategic planning, and operational delivery skills.
8. A collaborative, resilient, and supportive leadership style.

This is a newly created role and an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and commercially astute manager with a background in the Social Care, Healthcare, or Charity sectors.

The salary is up to £70,000, with benefits including pension, healthcare cash plan, life assurance, and staff discount scheme.