615 615 Jobs Greater London

Service Manager – Children’s Services

Location: Local Authority

Contract Type: Locum / Interim

Duration: 3 months

Salary: £negotiable

Start Date: ASAP

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Service Manager to lead and oversee operational delivery within our Children’s Services on a 3-month interim basis. This is an excellent opportunity for an established leader to provide direction, drive service improvement, and ensure the highest standards of care and safeguarding for children and families.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for the management and performance of multiple teams, ensuring that frontline social work practice is effective, consistent, and aligned with statutory duties and organisational values. You will play a key role in maintaining quality assurance, supporting staff development, and embedding a culture of reflective, strengths-based practice.

Main Responsibilities

 
• Provide clear leadership, direction, and management oversight across designated service areas within Children’s Services.
   

• Ensure statutory duties relating to child protection, looked after children, and safeguarding are met to the highest standards.
   

• Lead, support, and motivate Team Managers and senior practitioners to deliver effective, high-quality services.
   

• Monitor performance, budgets, and resources, identifying areas for improvement and implementing responsive action plans.
   

• Contribute to strategic planning, policy development, and service transformation initiatives.
   

• Ensure the consistent application of quality assurance frameworks, reflective supervision, and case auditing processes.
   

• Foster strong partnerships with internal teams, external agencies, and community organisations to deliver integrated support for children and families.
   

• Champion continuous professional development, wellbeing, and resilience among staff to promote sustainable practice.

Requirements

 
• Essential qualification: Degree in Social Work (DipSW, CQSW, CSS, or equivalent).
   

• Registration: Registered with Social Work England.
   

• Extensive experience in children’s social care at management or senior leadership level.
   

• Strong understanding of child protection legislation, inspection frameworks, and best practice standards.
   

• Proven track record of driving service improvement and managing change within a complex organisation.
   

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
   

• Ability to manage budgets, resources, and competing priorities effectively.
   

• Commitment to restorative, relationship-based, and outcome-focused leadership.

Why Join?

This interim opportunity offers the chance to lead and shape high-quality children’s social care services within a dynamic local authority. You’ll work alongside passionate and skilled teams who are committed to achieving the best outcomes for children and families.

As a Service Manager, you’ll have the autonomy to influence strategic direction, strengthen performance, and make a tangible difference during a period of transition and improvement.

Interested? Apply today to take on a pivotal leadership role as a Service Manager within Children’s Services and help drive excellence in social care delivery.