Interim Assistant Director of Children's Services

Panoramic Associates Limted; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking an experienced Interim Assistant Director of Children’s Services to provide leadership during a critical transformation period. You'll drive service improvements across safeguarding, children in care, and quality assurance. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in local authority settings and the ability to lead high-performing teams. This role offers a competitive rate and a flexible hybrid working arrangement.

Qualifications

• Experience in operational and strategic leadership across key service areas in children's services.
• Ability to drive service improvement plans and oversee front-line delivery.
• Experience in managing change during periods of transformation.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational and strategic leadership during a pivotal transformation period.
• Drive forward service improvement plans with a strong focus on performance.
• Lead key functions including safeguarding and quality assurance.

Skills

Proven experience as an Assistant Director or Head of Service within a local authority children’s services setting

Strong track record of leading improvement journeys and managing change

Deep understanding of safeguarding frameworks

Ability to build trust across multi-agency partnerships

Confident leadership and decision-making

Job description

Interim Assistant Director of Children's Services

City of London, London

Job Title: Interim Assistant Director of Children’s Services
Location: South East
Contract: 6 months
Rate: £675-£725 per day (Inside IR35)
Role: Hybrid (2 days per week on-site)

A proactive and ambitious South East local authority is seeking an experienced Interim Assistant Director of Children’s Services to provide operational and strategic leadership across key service areas during a pivotal period of transformation.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a council that is committed to delivering high-impact, child-centred services. Working alongside the Director of Children’s Services and senior leadership team, you will drive forward service improvement plans while maintaining oversight of front line delivery.

You will be responsible for leading key functions, including safeguarding, children in care, and quality assurance, with a strong focus on performance, partnership engagement, and inspection readiness.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience as an Assistant Director or Head of Service within a local authority children’s services setting
• Strong track record of leading improvement journeys and managing change
• Deep understanding of safeguarding frameworks, risk management, and service delivery
• Ability to build trust across multi-agency partnerships and lead high-performing teams
• Confident, visible leadership and clear decision-making in complex environments

The Role:

• High-impact leadership role during a critical period of service development
• Supportive, stable senior leadership and clear political backing
• Opportunity to shape and embed lasting change across services
• Flexible hybrid working arrangement

If you’re looking for a role where your leadership can make a tangible difference, this is the right time and the right place.

For a confidential discussion, contact:
Jaiden Williams – 07445533974