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Regional Director (Child Care), Manchester
Client: Talent Flow Partners
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
Job Category: Other
EU work permit required: Yes
Job Views: 1
Posted: 23.05.2025
Expiry Date: 07.07.2025
Job Description:
Talent Flow Partners is pleased to be working with a respected law firm as we recruit for a Regional Director for Child Care to join their team in either Manchester or Blackburn. This is a fantastic opportunity for a dedicated solicitor looking to make a real difference in children’s law.
Overall Purpose of the Role
The Regional Director for Child Care will be responsible for leading a team of childcare solicitors and support staff, providing strategic direction, overseeing casework, and ensuring legal excellence in the field of childcare law. The role involves managing a diverse caseload, mentoring junior solicitors, representing clients in complex legal matters, and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including local authorities, courts, and clients.
- Lead and manage the Child Care Department, overseeing all aspects of childcare law practice within the firm.
- Develop and implement strategic plans to grow the department, ensuring alignment with the firm’s broader objectives.
- Act as a key point of contact for the firm’s clients, providing expert legal advice and representation.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory and legal obligations, maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics.
- Draft, maintain, and update regional business plans and be involved in budget setting for the region in consultation with the Managing Director.
- Oversee good financial performance across the region and in accordance with targets, proactively managing all aspects of financial performance.
- Collaborate across other teams, departments, and the wider firm to achieve objectives.
- Oversee and handle a complex caseload of childcare matters, including public law cases (care proceedings, emergency protection orders, and adoption) and private law (child arrangement orders, guardianship).
- Advise clients on childcare and family law matters, offering tailored legal solutions.
- Attend court hearings, tribunals, and other legal proceedings, ensuring effective advocacy and representation.
- Keep up-to-date with changes in childcare law and implement best practices within the department.
- Mentor, guide, and supervise solicitors and legal staff, promoting continuous learning and professional development.
- Conduct performance reviews, provide feedback, and recruit/train new staff.
- Client & Stakeholder Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, local authorities, social services, and key stakeholders.
- Ensure client satisfaction through high standards of care, managing expectations, and maintaining excellent communication.
- Act as a trusted advisor, guiding clients through sensitive issues with empathy and professionalism.
- Compliance & Risk Management:
- Ensure departmental operations align with regulatory frameworks and professional standards (e.g., SRA).
- Manage risks and conduct regular audits of casework.
- Identify new business opportunities to grow the department.
- Enhance the department’s profile through networking, industry events, and thought leadership.
- Contribute to marketing efforts, including blogs, articles, and client briefings to boost the firm’s reputation.
The candidate must be able to:
- Work towards targets and deadlines.
- Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Operate independently with initiative.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales with at least 10 years PQE in childcare law.
- Membership of the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation (Child Panel).
- Experience working with or for local authorities on child protection matters.
- Strong links with childcare-related organizations and professionals.
- Proven leadership and team management skills.
- Extensive experience in public law children cases, advocacy, and complex legal procedures.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and client relationship skills.
- Ability to mentor and develop legal staff.
- Strategic thinking and business development skills.
- Sound judgment and decision-making abilities under pressure.
- Empathy and professionalism in stakeholder interactions.
Package:
- Salary: £??? - £??? per annum (depending on experience and qualifications)
- 26 days annual leave + Birthday Holiday + Bank Holidays
- Company Pension
- Flexible working hours / Work from home options
- Performance bonuses
- Opportunities for internal progression and training