Operations Director Childrens Services

Baltimore Consulting; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm seeks an experienced Operations Director for Children's Services to oversee frontline social work and improve care quality. The role demands strategic leadership, expertise in safeguarding, and effective budget management. Ideal candidates will have experience at the Assistant Director level, a social work qualification, and strong stakeholder engagement skills. This is a hybrid position in Greater London, offering an initial 3-month contract with competitive daily rates.

Qualifications

• Experience at Assistant Director level or higher overseeing Children's Services.
• Active registration with the Social Work England (SWE).
• Track record in delivering high-performing children’s social care services.
• Strong communication skills with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and management of social work services.
• Ensure compliance with statutory frameworks and best practices.
• Drive improvements in safeguarding and care quality.
• Manage budgets effectively and deliver value for money.

Skills

Leadership in social work

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Safeguarding expertise

Education

Social work qualification

Job description

Operations Director Childrens Services

Home Counties – Hybrid working

£700 – £725 per day umbrella

Initial 3 month contract

Interviews will be conducted before Christmas, please do apply ASAP to be considered.

My client in the Home Counties is on an exciting journey to transform services for vulnerable children and families. They are looking for a dynamic and experienced Operations Director to lead frontline social work services whilst the team looks to appoint a new permanent post holder.

This highly diverse council has a large youth population and will benefit from an experienced interim leader with the ability to assimilate quickly into and established leadership team.

About your role as Operations Director Childrens Services:

• Provide strategic leadership and management of frontline social work services.
• Drive continuous improvement and deliver high-quality safeguarding and care.
• Lead major change initiatives and ensure services are responsive, flexible, and customer-focused.
• Build strong partnerships with stakeholders and agencies.
• Manage budgets effectively to deliver value for money.
• Ensure compliance with statutory frameworks and best practice.
• Consistently manage complex situations and make informed decisions.
• Advocate to always putting the voice of the child at the heart of service delivery.

Your required experience as Operations Director Childrens Services:

• Previous experience leading at an Assistant Director level or higher with oversight of the entire Childrens Services portfolio
• Social work qualification and active registration with SWE
• A proven track record of success in delivering high-performing children’s social care services.
• Expertise in safeguarding, policy, legislation, and best practice.
• Strong leadership and change management experience.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills with internal and external stakeholders including members, DfE, Ofsted and wider council leadership

If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail or know someone who this may be of interest to, please contact me on 0117 3137110 or apply today.

Recruiting decisions are based on experience and skills. Any reasonable adjustments will be fully supported during the application and hiring process.