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- Tasks: Lead and shape the Children in Care and Adoption service with strategic vision and operational expertise.
- Company: Wigan Council, committed to diversity and creating a positive work culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in children's social care and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team dedicated to fostering positivity and accountability.
The predicted salary is between 61000 - 66000 £ per year.
Location: Wigan, WN1 1NJ
Salary: Competitive
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Closing Date: 07/03/2026
Priority Candidates will be considered in the first instance.
Wigan Life Centre South Salary: Grade 14, £61,706 - £66,043 per annum, 37 hours per week.
We are on a journey to build a workforce reflective of our Borough and are committed to fostering diverse teams where everybody can bring their authentic selves to work and feel that they belong.
A rare and exciting opportunity to shape the future of the Children in Care and Adoption service. You will bring strategic vision, operational expertise, and a commitment to relational, child-centred practice. You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, be able to prepare high-quality reports, confidently represent the service, engage with stakeholders, and provide clear direction to your team. You will guide a passionate, skilled team to ensure children and young people receive the stability, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.
We are seeking an exceptional, values-driven Service Manager to take this vital service into its next chapter.
Responsibilities- Provide strategic leadership for the Children in Care and Adoption service, including development and ongoing improvement of child-centred practice.
- Lead a team to motivate, shape, and grow high-performing, values-driven teams.
- Prepare high-quality reports and represent the service to stakeholders with clear direction to the team.
- Champion corporate parenting principles and ensure the highest standards of support across the service.
- Collaborate with partners and communities across the borough to deliver outcomes for children and families.
- Warm, positive, and genuinely passionate about supporting children, young people, and the teams who work with them.
- Resilient under pressure, able to build trust, and foster a culture where staff feel valued and motivated.
- Proven leadership in children's social care, especially within children in care services, with strong strategic and operational capabilities.
- Ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams and promote outstanding, child-centred practice.
Wigan Council has a culture that fosters positivity, courage, accountability, and kindness. Flexible working patterns may be available where the service can accommodate, and a blended approach to working (home, office, or community) may apply. The council is committed to safeguarding and to creating fair opportunities for all children, families, residents, and businesses.
Additional information- Interview date: 5 March 2026
- Enhanced Disclosure Procedures and relevant checks applicable
- Right to work in the UK is required; the council notes it is not currently a licensed sponsor
- Selection materials and disclosures will be provided by the employer
Service Manager Children in Care and Adoption in Wigan employer: CAREER CHOICES DEWIS GYRFA LTD.
Contact Detail:
CAREER CHOICES DEWIS GYRFA LTD. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager Children in Care and Adoption in Wigan
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of children's social care, especially those who work in adoption and care services. Attend local events or online webinars to connect with potential employers and learn more about the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to child-centred practice and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've motivated teams and improved services in your previous roles. Highlight your strategic vision and operational expertise to demonstrate you're the right fit for the Service Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team and making a difference in the lives of children and families.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager Children in Care and Adoption in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your genuine passion for supporting children and young people shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise: Make sure your written application is clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to demonstrate your excellent communication skills, as this is crucial for the role. Remember, we appreciate quality over quantity!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to showcase your leadership experience in children's social care, especially within children in care services. We’re looking for someone who can motivate and develop high-performing teams, so make that stand out in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CAREER CHOICES DEWIS GYRFA LTD.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Service Manager in Children in Care and Adoption. Familiarise yourself with child-centred practices, corporate parenting principles, and the specific challenges faced by children in care. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your strategic vision and operational expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in children's social care. Think about times when you've motivated a team or implemented changes that improved service delivery. Be ready to discuss how you can foster a positive culture within the team and support staff in their development.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves collaborating with partners and communities, think about how you would approach building relationships with stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your communication style and how you would represent the service effectively. This will show that you can engage with various groups to deliver outcomes for children and families.
✨Be Authentic and Passionate
Let your genuine passion for supporting children and young people shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that illustrate your commitment to this field. The council values authenticity, so being yourself will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate that you align with their culture of positivity and kindness.
