At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to improve services for children and young people.
- Company: Dudley Council, committed to transforming lives and driving positive change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to cultural change and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while shaping future services.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in complex organisations and a passion for social care.
The predicted salary is between 108015 - 118680 € per year.
Salary: £108,015 - £118,680 (pay award pending)
Location: Dudley, West Midlands – hybrid
Contract: Permanent, full time
Are you an inspirational, values‑driven leader with a passion for improving the life chances for children and young people? Dudley Council is embarking on a bold and ambitious transformation journey, and we are seeking a visionary Associate Director – Quality, Performance and Improvement to further develop our approach to managing our quality and performance and overseeing independent services, such as I.R.O.s. This is a pivotal senior leadership position at the heart of our Children and Young People service.
Responsibilities
- Provide senior leadership across Children's Services, driving improvement, transformation, cultural change and the delivery of key strategic plans.
- Be responsible for strategy, improvement and quality and standards, inspection readiness and for producing strategic reports and plans for local governance partnerships and national partners including Ofsted and the Department for Education.
- Lead critical service functions such as performance, research and innovation, quality assurance, professional standards, workforce development, information governance and commissioning, ensuring statutory compliance across all areas.
- Work collaboratively with partners across the Council and external agencies to align strategy, drive improvement and ensure services are planned, monitored and evaluated to meet local needs and inspection requirements.
Qualifications & Experience
- A strategic, politically astute leader with a track record of delivering transformation in complex organisations.
- Someone who inspires teams, builds strong partnerships, understands all aspects of our services especially Social Care, and brings energy, integrity and ambition.
All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK. Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.
Associate Director - Quality, Performance and Improvement employer: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
Dudley Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within the Children and Young People service. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to improving the life chances of children, staff benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and transformation. Located in the vibrant West Midlands, this role offers the unique opportunity to lead impactful change while enjoying a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance.
Contact Detail:
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Quality, Performance and Improvement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working at Dudley Council. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Dudley Council's recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for improving the lives of children and young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your past experiences in driving transformation and improvement. Use the STAR method to structure your answers and keep it engaging.
✨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 take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Quality, Performance and Improvement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for improving the lives of children and young people shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Dudley Council.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Highlight your previous leadership roles and specific achievements in quality and performance improvement. We’re looking for concrete examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to drive transformation.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Use keywords from the listing to show that you understand the role and how your skills fit perfectly with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the role. Familiarise yourself with Dudley Council's current strategies and initiatives in children's services, especially around quality and performance. This will show that you’re not just interested in the position but also invested in their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the values of Dudley Council. Think of specific examples where you've driven transformation or improvement in previous roles. Highlight your ability to inspire teams and build partnerships, as this is crucial for the Associate Director position.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges related to quality assurance or performance management. Prepare some scenarios from your past experience where you successfully navigated complex situations, demonstrating your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the council's vision for the future of children’s services or how they measure success in their quality improvement initiatives. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.
