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- Tasks: Lead transformative services for children and families, enhancing partnerships and community engagement.
- Company: Sandwell Council, dedicated to empowering communities and improving lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be a visionary leader shaping a child-friendly borough and driving positive change.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in commissioning and service transformation within children's services.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to excellence and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Enabling People, Empowering Communities, Enhancing Places. Sandwell’s story is one of potential and striving to realise the ambitions of our borough, our residents and communities. We have been through a period of significant challenge including government intervention, but through determination and our drive for excellence, we look to the future with pride and a sense of purpose. While we have come so far, there is more to do; breaking down silos, embedding our values across the organisation, and ensuring that we continue to transform to deliver the best services for residents.
Created 50 years ago from six proud towns, each unique but united by a shared identity and rich culture, Sandwell is a place built on making things happen, and where children, young people and families have the best opportunity to thrive.
Following a restructure across the organisation, including within children’s and education services, we have created three new posts within the directorate, including this role, leading a major portfolio including our relationship with Sandwell Children’s Trust, strategic commissioning of adoption and fostering services, and strengthening partnerships across the borough. You will lead universal preventative services including family hubs, youth and play services, supporting those children and families who need our help.
We are developing a child friendly borough, where young people are at the heart of decision making, service design and delivery. Children’s services in Sandwell are ‘Good’ (Ofsted inspection 2025), and you will play a key role within the authority, working in partnership, to ensure that we continue to improve. You will also lead core functions including client services, participation and engagement, governance, data and intelligence, shape commissioning strategies and develop joint investment plans that champion the voice of children and families.
We are looking for a visionary and credible senior leader with substantial experience in commissioning within a children’s services context, a strong track record in service transformation, excellent partnership development skills and a deep commitment to making a difference for the children, young people and families of Sandwell. If you are driven by improvement and ready to make a real impact, we would love to hear from you.
Service Director - Commissioning and Partnerships (Children & Education) in Birmingham employer: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Director - Commissioning and Partnerships (Children & Education) in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Sandwell’s children and education services. Attend local events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself – you never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for making a difference! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your vision for improving services for children and families. Let them see your commitment to transforming lives in Sandwell – it’ll set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Sandwell’s current initiatives and challenges. Be ready to discuss how your experience in commissioning and partnerships can help tackle these issues. Tailoring your answers to their specific needs will show you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission to empower communities and enhance places.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Director - Commissioning and Partnerships (Children & Education) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Service Director role. Highlight your experience in commissioning and partnerships, and how it aligns with Sandwell's vision for children and education.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in children's services. This will help us understand how you can drive improvement and make a real impact.
Emphasise Partnership Development: Since this role involves strengthening partnerships, be sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in building relationships with stakeholders. We’re keen to know how you’ve collaborated to achieve common goals.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a difference in Sandwell.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Service Director - Commissioning and Partnerships. Familiarise yourself with Sandwell’s current challenges and successes in children’s services, especially the recent Ofsted inspection results. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Vision
Prepare to discuss your vision for transforming services in Sandwell. Think about how you can break down silos and enhance partnerships. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead change and improve outcomes for children and families.
✨Engage with the Values
Sandwell is all about empowering communities and enhancing places. Reflect on how your personal values align with this mission. During the interview, weave these values into your responses to illustrate that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation's culture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your understanding of the role and the organisation. Inquire about the strategic direction of children’s services or how they measure success in partnership development. This demonstrates your proactive approach and genuine interest in contributing to Sandwell’s future.