At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform essential adult social care services for the community.
- Company: Join Sandwell Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and the chance to shape future services.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence change and drive service improvement in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while leading a committed team.
- Qualifications: Experience in adult social care and strong leadership skills required.
Lead with Purpose. Transform Services. Improve Lives.
Sandwell is a borough with ambition, momentum and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for the people and communities we serve. This is a significant opportunity to join Sandwell Council as Service Director - Direct Services, leading a large and highly visible portfolio at the heart of Adult Social Care and Health. You will be responsible for the operational leadership, performance, transformation and sustainability of directly provided services, ensuring they are high-quality, person-centred, financially resilient and fit for the future.
Direct Services are front-facing, complex and vital to the lives of residents, families and communities. From prevention, intermediate care and reablement through to accommodation, day services, residential and nursing provision, this role brings the opportunity to shape services that people rely on every day.
We are looking for a credible, visible and values-led leader who understands the realities of operational delivery, but can also step back and set a clear strategic direction. You will bring the confidence to lead transformation, the judgement to manage risk well, and the ability to build a culture where decisions are made at the right level, staff feel supported, and performance and accountability are strengthened.
You will play a key role in ensuring Sandwell's directly provided services are modern, sustainable and responsive to changing needs. This will include leading service improvement, preparing for and responding to CQC inspections, strengthening quality assurance, shaping new delivery models and making better use of digital technology and intelligence to support integrated, efficient and joined-up services. You will also undertake the 'nominated individual' role for our CQC registered services.
Partnership will be central to your success. You will work closely with health partners, voluntary and community organisations, elected members, corporate colleagues and operational teams to ensure services are connected, coordinated and focused on what matters most to residents.
This is also a people leadership role of real scale. With a substantial workforce and significant budgets, you will need to inspire confidence, bring clarity, and create the conditions for teams to perform well through change. We want someone who can engage a committed workforce, support managers to lead with confidence, and bring fresh thinking to how services are delivered.
Sandwell is on an important improvement and transformation journey. There is strong senior leadership commitment, a stable and developing leadership team, and a genuine opportunity for this postholder to help shape the next phase of Adult Social Care and Health. You will join at a time when relationships are being built, structures are evolving and there is space to influence, contribute and make a lasting impact.
We are seeking an experienced leader with a strong understanding of adult social care, direct service delivery, safeguarding, quality, performance and operational transformation. You may come from local government, health, social care or a related environment, but you will need to demonstrate the ability to operate strategically, lead complexity, work confidently with members and partners, and keep the people we serve at the centre of every decision.
If you are ready to lead visible, essential services at scale, drive cultural and operational improvement, and help shape sustainable adult social care services for the future, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Closing date for applications: Midnight on Sunday 6th September
Company: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Salary: £98,135 - £113,630
Location: Sandwell, West Midlands
Sector: Corporate Services, Corporate Management Team, Health and Social Care
Job Role: Director
Service Director – Direct Services (Full Time) employer: New Start
New Start is an exceptional employer located in Chelmsford, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With 27 days of holiday and participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme, we provide our team with valuable benefits while fostering an environment that encourages mentorship and collaboration among ecologists. Join us to make a meaningful impact on complex development projects in a dynamic and rewarding setting.
