Strategic Head of Service

Rochdale Council; Rochdale; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is looking for Strategic Heads of Service for Children's Social Care to lead the strategic planning and service delivery for children and families. Candidates must be qualified social workers with strong leadership skills and a commitment to service excellence. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and great benefits, including flexible working and up to 34 days of annual leave.

Benefits

Highly competitive salary

Green fleet car scheme

Hybrid and flexible working

Staff recognition awards

Mileage payment and parking scheme

Up to 34 days annual leave

Paid professional fees

Staff discounts

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of childcare legislation, national strategies, and emerging policy developments.
• Proven ability to lead in complex, high-pressure environments.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and service excellence.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic alignment with national policy and local priorities.
• Lead strategic planning and service transformation.
• Ensure high-quality service delivery for children and families.

Skills

Leadership

Knowledge of childcare legislation

Ability to manage complex situations

Education

Qualified social worker registered with Social Work England

Job description

Strategic Head of Service - Children's Social Care

Salary: Up to £64,969 plus £10,000 annual Market Factor Supplement

Full-time | 2 Posts Available

Join Rochdale's Visionary Leadership Team

We are delighted to announce two exciting opportunities to join Rochdale Borough Council as Strategic Heads of Service within Children's Social Care. These pivotal roles will shape and lead the strategic development and delivery of services that safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people, and their families.

Rochdale is nationally recognised for its innovative and impactful work with children and families with OFSTED recognising our ambitions for children and families in Rochdale as part of a recent focus visit.

Our strong partnerships and pioneering Family Safeguarding Model place relationships at the heart of our practice. We are proud of our culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

The Opportunity

As Strategic Head of Service, you will work closely with the Assistant Director of Children's Social Care to ensure the effective delivery of high-quality services. You will lead strategic planning, drive service transformation, and collaborate with key stakeholders to deliver integrated, outcome-focused support for children and families.

You will also be a key member of the Children's Services Senior Management Team, helping to shape services in response to national and local policy developments.

We are recruiting for two full-time roles (37 hours per week):

• Strategic Head of Service - Family Help
  Responsible for EHASH, Specialist Services (NEST, Frontline, CWD), and Family Help Teams, supporting the transition to the Family First initiative.
• Strategic Head of Service - Corporate Parenting
  Responsible for Cared for Children Teams, Residential Services, and Fostering Services.

Key Responsibilities

• System Leadership
  Drive strategic alignment with national policy and local priorities, ensuring services reflect the Council's vision.
• Quality of Practice
  Embed evidence-based, trauma-informed, and relational practice across all services, fostering a culture of high performance and innovation.
• Communication & Engagement
  Provide visible, motivational leadership that inspires teams and promotes continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
• Managing Resources
  Build a confident, capable, and resilient workforce through ethical leadership, reflective supervision, and professional development.
• Quality Assurance & Performance Management
  Contribute to strategic planning and delivery of key service plans, including the Children's Services Plan
• Organisational Development
  Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion across all services, ensuring timely completion of Equality Impact Assessments and action plans.

About You

You will be a qualified social worker registered with Social Work England, with a strong track record in senior leadership and management. You will bring:

• In-depth knowledge of childcare legislation, national strategies, and emerging policy developments.
• Proven ability to lead in complex, high-pressure environments.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and service excellence.

Assessment & Interview

Candidates will be required to complete a short assessment exercise on the day of the interview and present to the panel.

A young person's panel will also form part of the selection process.

Interviews will take place at Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale, OL16 1XU on Tuesday, 9th December 2025.

Why Rochdale?

We are proud of our values:

• Proud of the difference we make
• Passionate about the diversity of our Borough
• Pioneering and open in our approach

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

Rochdale Borough Council is part of the Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment, recognising continuous service across GM local authorities and partner organisations.

We reward you with great benefits:

• Highly competitive salary with an opportunity to earn up to £1,000 extra, every year (£500 retention payment every six months)
• Green fleet car scheme with NHS Fleet solutions
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Staff recognition awards and celebration events
• Mileage payment and town centre parking scheme
• Up to 34 days annual leave with an option to buy more
• Paid for Social Work England professional fees
• Staff discount at popular retail and leisure sites

Other benefits

• Work in a modern, award-winning building
• Be conveniently located next to the Metrolink, bus exchange and a short walk from Rochdale train station
• You're also a 10-minute drive from the M62 corridor

Appointment to this post is subject to Enhanced Child workforce DBS and background checks.

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this in your application.

Interested?

To discuss the roles further, please contact:

Abu Siddique, Assistant Director Children's Social Care - [e-mail]