Operations Manager - Public Protection and Community Safety in Oldbury

Lead high-performing regulatory services. Drive improvement. Help keep Sandwell communities safe, healthy and protected.

Sandwell Council is seeking an experienced and dynamic Operations Manager to lead key services within our Public Protection portfolio. This is a senior leadership role responsible for managing, developing and continuously improving a range of critical frontline and regulatory services that support residents, businesses and communities across the borough. Working at the heart of Public Protection, you will lead operational teams, drive service excellence and ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities while delivering positive outcomes for local people.

As part of our leadership team, you will play a key role in strengthening services, delivering transformation and supporting the council's wider ambitions for safer, healthier and more resilient communities.

The opportunity

As Operations Manager – Public Protection and Community Safety, you will take responsibility for the operational management and continuous improvement of key Public Protection services, including:

• Licensing – ensuring effective regulation and compliance across a range of licensed activities
• Regulatory services – protecting consumers and businesses through enforcement, education and partnership working
• Environmental Health – delivering services that safeguard public health, environmental quality and community wellbeing

Working across multiple service areas, you will ensure services remain customer-focused, efficient, compliant and responsive to emerging challenges, while supporting strategic priorities and organisational objectives. This role is about leadership, improvement and delivery.

What you'll be accountable for

You will:

• Lead and manage operational Public Protection services, ensuring high levels of performance and customer satisfaction
• Develop and implement service strategies, business plans and performance frameworks that drive continuous improvement
• Deliver service transformation programmes and organisational change initiatives that improve outcomes and efficiency
• Manage service budgets effectively, identifying opportunities for efficiencies and income generation
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative and digital solutions to modernise service delivery
• Build strong relationships with partners, stakeholders, elected members and senior leaders across the organisation
• Ensure services operate in compliance with relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks and council policies
• Provide visible and effective leadership to teams, creating a culture of accountability, performance and continuous development

You will be instrumental in ensuring that Public Protection services continue to evolve and respond effectively to the needs of residents, businesses and communities.

Why this role is different

You'll lead services that make a tangible difference to public safety, health and community wellbeing. You'll have the opportunity to shape service delivery and influence strategic direction across a broad portfolio. You'll play a key role in service transformation and the development of innovative approaches to regulation and enforcement. You'll join a collaborative and forward-thinking leadership team committed to continuous improvement and excellent public services.

If you're motivated by leadership, improvement and making a positive impact, this role offers the opportunity to drive meaningful change at scale.

Who we're looking for

You'll bring:

• A relevant degree or management qualification
• Hold regulatory services experience
• Significant senior management experience, including leadership of teams, budgets, strategic projects and service transformation
• Experience of working within a complex public sector environment and an understanding of local government governance and decision-making processes
• Strong partnership-working skills and the ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation and performance management skills
• A track record of delivering high-quality services, managing change and achieving positive outcomes

Most importantly, you'll combine strategic thinking with operational delivery and bring the leadership skills required to inspire teams and drive performance.

Why Sandwell Council?

At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values‑led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.

We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive. Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role.