Lead with Purpose. Transform Services. Improve Lives.
Sandwell is a borough with ambition, momentum and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for the people and communities we serve. This is a significant opportunity to join Sandwell Council as Service Director – Direct Services, leading a large and highly visible portfolio at the heart of Adult Social Care and Health. You will be responsible for the operational leadership, performance, transformation and sustainability of directly provided services, ensuring they are high-quality, person-centred, financially resilient and fit for the future. Direct Services are front-facing, complex and vital to the lives of residents, families and communities. From prevention, intermediate care and reablement through to accommodation, day services, residential and nursing provision, this role brings the opportunity to shape services that people rely on every day.
We are looking for a credible, visible and values-led leader who understands the realities of operational delivery, but can also step back and set a clear strategic direction. You will bring the confidence to lead transformation, the judgement to manage risk well, and the ability to build a culture where decisions are made at the right level, staff feel supported, and performance and accountability are strengthened.
You will play a key role in ensuring Sandwell’s directly provided services are modern, sustainable and responsive to changing needs. This will include leading service improvement, preparing for and responding to CQC inspections, strengthening quality assurance, shaping new delivery models and making better use of digital technology and intelligence to support integrated, efficient and joined-up services. You will also undertake the ‘nominated individual’ role our CQC registered services.
Partnership will be central to your success. You will work closely with health partners, voluntary and community organisations, elected members, corporate colleagues and operational teams to ensure services are connected, coordinated and focused on what matters most to residents.
This is also a people leadership role of real scale. With a substantial workforce and significant budgets, you will need to inspire confidence, bring clarity, and create the conditions for teams to perform well through change. We want someone who can engage a committed workforce, support managers to lead with confidence, and bring fresh thinking to how services are delivered.
Sandwell is on an important improvement and transformation journey. There is strong senior leadership commitment, a stable and developing leadership team, and a genuine opportunity for this postholder to help shape the next phase of Adult Social Care and Health. You will join at a time when relationships are being built, structures are evolving and there is space to influence, contribute and make a lasting impact.
We are seeking an experienced leader with a strong understanding of adult social care, direct service delivery, safeguarding, quality, performance and operational transformation. You may come from local government, health, social care or a related environment, but you will need to demonstrate the ability to operate strategically, lead complexity, work confidently with members and partners, and keep the people we serve at the centre of every decision.
If you are ready to lead visible, essential services at scale, drive cultural and operational improvement, and help shape sustainable adult social care services for the future, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Closing date for applications: Midnight on Sunday 6th September
Learn more about the role, the Directorate, and the impact you could make, directly from its leadership.
Find out more about the role, the team, and what it's like to work with us.
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