Operations Manager – Children’s Social Care Services

Overview

In this role you will lead and shape Children’s Social Care delivery, working with senior colleagues to achieve the council’s Family First reform goals. You will line-manage Team Managers and collaborate with statutory and voluntary partners to safeguard children and improve outcomes. You will contribute to policy development and ensure service integration and quality across the borough. The position offers leadership in a values-driven, child-centred framework with opportunities for professional development and flexible working.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive salary
• manageable workloads
• local government pension (6.8%)
• 25 days leave rising to 30 after 5 years
• option to buy up to 10 additional leave days
• flexible working in refurbished offices

Responsibilities

• Line-manage Team Managers to deliver the service delivery plan
• Build and maintain relationships with statutory partners, service providers, the voluntary sector and customers
• Ensure high-quality social work service and safeguarding within statutory guidelines
• Represent the service in multi-agency forums and contribute to policy and practice development
• Promote integration of social work within wider Children’s services and provide strong leadership
• Support achievement of organisational vision and outcomes in partnership with commissioning services
• Support workforce planning and development, and manage performance within the service

Key requirements

• Qualified and registered Social Worker (Social Work England)
• Management qualification or equivalent senior management experience
• Operational management experience with performance delivery
• Experience in workforce planning, workforce development and partnership working
• Budget management experience with ability to meet budget, savings and income targets
• Driving licence and ability to travel (essential car user)
• Commitment to high-quality, transparent service and safeguarding of children and families

• leadership
• partnership working
• stakeholder engagement
• operational management
• performance management
• budget management

…