At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative initiatives to improve services for children and young people.
- Company: Dudley Council, dedicated to enhancing life chances for the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a committed team focused on safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Be a visionary leader driving change and improving lives in your community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in complex organisations and a passion for social care.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 € per year.
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 of 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.
In this strategic leadership role, you will:
- 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.
Who we’re looking for:
You will be 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. If you’re driven to make a real impact for children and families across Dudley, we want to hear from you.
The closing date for applications is Midnight, Sunday 7th June 2026. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults; therefore, the post is subject to medical clearance and an enhanced DBS check.
Associate Director – Quality, Performance and Improvement in Dudley employer: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
Dudley Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people in our community. With a strong focus on values-driven leadership, we offer a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and professional growth, ensuring that our employees are equipped to make a meaningful impact. Join us in this pivotal role and be part of a team that prioritises quality, performance, and improvement while working in a supportive environment committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups.
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 in Dudley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Dudley Council. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Dudley Council’s recent initiatives and challenges. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference in children’s lives. Tailor your responses to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Associate Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director – Quality, Performance and Improvement in Dudley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Make sure to express your passion for improving the life chances of children and young people in your application. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Dudley Council.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:In this senior role, your leadership experience is key. Share specific examples of how you've driven transformation and improvement in previous positions. We love a good success story!
Be Strategic and Insightful:Demonstrate your strategic thinking by discussing how you’ve managed quality and performance in complex organisations. We’re looking for someone who can think ahead and plan effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in Dudley Council's vision and the specific challenges facing Children’s Services. Brush up on recent reports, especially those related to Ofsted and the Department for Education, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your strategic leadership skills and how you've driven transformation in previous roles. Think about times when you inspired teams or built strong partnerships, as these are key qualities they’re looking for.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as improving service quality or managing performance issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
✨Align with Their Values
Dudley Council is looking for someone who shares their commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and provide examples of how you’ve prioritised these in your past work.
