At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative children's services, ensuring high-quality support for children and families.
- Company: Join North Northamptonshire Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant team committed to innovation and positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people while shaping community futures.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in children's services and strong partnership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 148815 - 159763 £ per year.
About the role
Transformation. Positive change. Visionary thinking. If these ideas inspire you, our Executive Director of Children's Services role could be your next career move. As Executive Director of Children's Services, you will be a key member of the Corporate Leadership Team, taking on the statutory responsibilities of the Director of Children's Services while driving our ambitious vision for children, young people and families. Operating at a strategic level, you will lead the delivery of high-quality, inclusive and cost-effective services. You will ensure that children and young people—particularly the most vulnerable—remain at the heart of everything we do. You will also play an influential role in shaping our wider place-based ambitions, contributing to the BIG50 vision to make North Northamptonshire a proud, prosperous and forward-looking place where all residents can thrive.
If you are interested in this opportunity and would like to arrange an informal discussion, please contact Rachel Girvan at rachel.girvan@northnorthants.gov.uk
What will you be doing?
In this high-profile leadership role, you will:
- Provide strategic leadership for all Children's Services, ensuring the Council meets its statutory responsibilities and delivers improved outcomes for children and families.
- Act as the statutory Director of Children's Services, leading on safeguarding, corporate parenting and education responsibilities.
- Lead and manage the client relationship with Northamptonshire Children's Trust, ensuring effective contract management, performance oversight and continuous improvement.
- Drive transformation and innovation, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, creativity and high performance across services.
- Work collaboratively with Members, partners and stakeholders, influencing at local, regional and national levels to secure the best outcomes for our communities.
- Lead on education, early help and skills services, ensuring high standards, regulatory compliance and strong Ofsted outcomes.
- Champion partnership working, building strong relationships across multi-agency systems to support children and young people from early years through to adulthood.
- Ensure effective governance, financial management and performance oversight, delivering value for money while maintaining high-quality services.
About you
We are looking for a collaborative, inspirational and resilient leader who is passionate about improving the lives of children and young people. You will bring:
- Substantial senior leadership experience within children's services in a local authority, health, or social care environment, including experience operating at a strategic level equivalent to Director or Deputy Director roles in children's service.
- In-depth knowledge of the Children's Services landscape, including safeguarding, education, statutory duties and regulatory frameworks such as Ofsted.
- Proven ability to lead in a political environment, building strong relationships with elected Members and providing expert professional advice.
- Outstanding partnership and influencing skills, with the ability to work across organisational boundaries and inspire others toward a shared vision.
- Strong commercial, financial and contract management expertise, with experience of managing large, complex budgets and commissioned services.
- A visible and values-driven leadership style, able to motivate teams, drive cultural change and deliver results through others.
Above all, you will be passionate about putting children, young people and families at the heart of decision-making, bringing energy, integrity and a clear vision for the future.
Interview dates: 26th June 2026
Our benefits
Here at North Northamptonshire Council, we're transforming for the better, using all our creativity and imagination to create the best life for our local people. You'll find that we have a wide range of careers that may be more surprising than you think!
Why choose us?
- a competitive salary
- a pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. It provides life cover and ill-health protection.
- lots of opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council
- generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days
- hybrid and flexible working arrangements, where practicable for service needs to help you with a healthy work-life balance.
We provide a range of great benefits such as an Employee Assistance Programme, an Employee Benefits Scheme, wellbeing support, travel rates at HMRC rates, as well as supporting a range of active Employee Network Groups.
About us
Our Values and Behaviours
Our values define who we are and how we operate, by forming the foundation for how we interact with our customers, colleagues and provide our services. They are also at the forefront of our decision making and delivery and are:
- Customer-focused
- Respectful
- Efficient
- Supportive
- Trustworthy
Our key commitments help ensure that the priorities we make, now and in the future, maintain the necessary breadth of focus in those areas that we believe matter most.
Disability Confident Employer
We are proud to be a recognised Disability Confident Employer and is committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. Our Employment and Disability Service provides bespoke support to individuals facing barriers to employment, helping them work towards their goals to start, stay and succeed in employment.
Armed Forces Community
The council obtained the Gold status award for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
Executive Director of Children's Services in London employer: Northamptonshire Sport
At North Northamptonshire Council, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, offering extensive professional development opportunities and a generous benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and a competitive pension scheme. Join us in making a meaningful impact in a supportive environment where your leadership can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director of Children's Services in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the children's services sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation thoroughly and think about how your experience aligns with their vision for children and families. Practise answering common leadership questions and be ready to share your ideas on transformation and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! In your conversations and interviews, let your enthusiasm for improving the lives of children and young people shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles to really connect with your audience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our ambitious vision for North Northamptonshire.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director of Children's Services in London
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 your commitment to making a positive impact, so share personal experiences or insights that fuel your drive.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in children's services. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your strategic leadership skills and your ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the right fit for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northamptonshire Sport
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Children's Services landscape, including safeguarding and education. Brush up on relevant statutory duties and Ofsted regulations, as these will likely come up in conversation.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and how you've motivated teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've driven cultural change and improved outcomes for children and families.
✨Build Connections
Highlight your experience in building partnerships across different organisations. Be prepared to talk about how you've influenced stakeholders and worked collaboratively to achieve shared goals.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since this role involves managing large budgets, be ready to discuss your financial management experience. Talk about how you've ensured value for money while maintaining high-quality services in previous roles.
