At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic change and build partnerships to improve lives of children and families.
- Company: Ambitious council recognised for significant improvement and commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence change, work with passionate colleagues, and make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team dedicated to innovation and community impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of services and create lasting change for young people in Sandwell.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in strategic commissioning, partnership development, and performance improvement.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Lead Strategic Change. Build Stronger Partnerships. Improve Lives.
Sandwell is a borough with ambition, momentum and a determination to deliver better outcomes for children, young people and families. Recognised as one of the most improved councils in the country, we have made significant progress on our improvement journey, but we know there is more to do. We are building on that success by strengthening partnerships, modernising services and creating a culture focused on excellence, innovation and impact.
This is an outstanding opportunity to join our Children and Education leadership team as Service Director – Commissioning & Partnerships, a pivotal role at the centre of our ambitions for children, young people and families across Sandwell. We are looking for a strategic and collaborative leader who can shape the future of commissioning, partnership working and service transformation.
This is a role with significant influence, leading the functions that provide the insight, governance, planning and partnerships needed to deliver sustainable improvement across the whole system. You will provide strategic leadership across commissioning, partnerships, participation and engagement, governance, business administration, data intelligence and performance.
You will lead ambitious commissioning strategies, develop innovative approaches to service delivery and ensure that services are designed around the needs of children, young people and families. Working across organisational boundaries, you will build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, partners, health organisations, education providers, the voluntary sector and wider stakeholders, ensuring a joined-up approach to delivering better outcomes.
You will champion the voice of children and families, embedding participation and co-production into decision-making and service design. This role is central to ensuring that resources are targeted effectively, services are informed by evidence and intelligence, and that robust governance, quality assurance and performance management arrangements support continuous improvement.
You will play a key role in shaping strategic priorities, driving innovation and ensuring the Council is well positioned to meet future challenges and opportunities. There is a genuine appetite for improvement across Sandwell. We have invested in our services, strengthened our leadership and are committed to building a high-performing organisation that delivers for residents.
We are ambitious about becoming outstanding and are looking for leaders who share that ambition, are comfortable with challenge and are motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting difference. We are seeking an influential leader with a strong track record in strategic commissioning, partnership development, transformation and performance improvement.
You will bring excellent relationship-building skills, political awareness and a strong understanding of governance, commissioning and public service delivery. Most importantly, you will be passionate about creating opportunities and improving outcomes for children, young people and families.
As part of our senior leadership team, you will help shape the future of Children and Education Services, influence borough-wide priorities and contribute to one of local government's most exciting improvement stories. You will work alongside ambitious colleagues who are committed to collaboration, innovation and delivering meaningful change for the communities we serve.
Service Director - Commissioning and Partnerships employer: Sandwell Council
Sandwell Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work environment within its award-winning Bereavement Services team. Employees benefit from a strong focus on customer service, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community during significant life events. The council's commitment to employee well-being and development makes it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Director - Commissioning and Partnerships
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Sandwell Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Sandwell Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Director - Commissioning and Partnerships
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Sandwell Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwell Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Sandwell Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Sandwell Council.
