At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative services for children and young people in care, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Company: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, committed to improving life chances for children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to creating positive change in the community.
- Why this job: Be a visionary leader shaping the future of care for children and young people.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in children's services and a passion for transformation.
The predicted salary is between 108015 - 118680 € per year.
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking a visionary Associate Director – Children’s Provider Services to play a central role in shaping the future of our support to children and young people in care across our borough. This is a pivotal senior leadership position at the heart of our Children and Young People service. You will be collaborating closely with the Associate Director for Family Help and Safeguarding to deliver services to the children and young people who need our support.
Key Responsibilities
- To provide strategic leadership, professional accountability, and operational oversight for services that safeguard, support and improve outcomes for children in care and care‑experienced young people.
- To take professional responsibility for ensuring that children who cannot live with their families experience safe, loving, stable and aspirational care, with a clear focus on permanence, sufficiency, quality of practice and achieving the best possible outcomes.
- To have a proven track record of developing children’s residential provision and fostering services at pace, alongside the ability to lead complex change, mature commissioning arrangements, and deliver improvement and financial sustainability within a demanding statutory environment.
Qualifications & Experience
- A strategic, politically astute leader with a track record of delivering transformation in complex organisations.
- Someone who inspires teams, builds strong partnerships, understands all legislation relating to Children’s Social Care in relation to children in care, fostering and adoption, and brings energy, integrity and ambition.
Workplace Attendance
Working in the office 3+ days a week (pro‑rated) or onsite full time.
How to Apply
For an informal discussion please contact John Macilwraith, Director of Children & Young People, via Alia Siddique. Applications close: Midnight Sunday 7th June 2026. Please submit your CV and supporting statement with your application. Your supporting statement should be Arial 12 and no more than 4 pages. All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK. Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.
Equality and Diversity
Dudley Council will check the information that you have provided against any details already held for accuracy and completeness. The Council will check, share and cross‑match your information both internally within the council and with external organisations to protect public funds and prevent or detect crime, only where the law allows us to do so.
Associate Director – Provider Services, Children and Young People employer: WMJobs
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people in our community. With a strong emphasis on values-driven leadership, we offer a supportive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation, alongside competitive salaries and opportunities for professional growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of a hybrid working model in the vibrant West Midlands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director – Provider Services, Children and Young People
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their mission and how you can contribute to improving outcomes for children and young people. Tailor your responses to show you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence. Focus on articulating your vision for children's services and how your leadership can drive transformation.
✨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 about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director – Provider Services, Children and Young People
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Associate Director – Provider Services. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can inspire teams and drive transformation!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about improving life chances for children and young people. Keep it clear, concise, and focused on how your values align with Dudley Council's mission.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, demonstrate your strategic leadership skills. Share examples of how you've successfully led complex change and improved services in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can think big and act decisively!
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, it makes the process smoother for both you and us. We can't wait to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Associate Director role. Familiarise yourself with Dudley Council's current initiatives and challenges in children’s services. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the sector and how you can contribute to their transformation journey.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the values of Dudley Council. Think about examples from your past where you've inspired teams or led successful transformations, especially in complex environments. This will showcase your ability to drive change effectively.
✨Connect with Their Vision
Dudley Council is looking for someone who shares their passion for improving life chances for children and young people. Be ready to articulate your vision for children’s services and how you would ensure that children in care receive the best possible support and outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current strategies for fostering and adoption, or how they measure success in their services. This not only demonstrates your engagement but also helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.
