Executive Director of Childrens Services

About the role

Transformation. Positive change. Visionary thinking.
If these ideas inspire you, our Executive Director of Children’s Services role could be your next career move.

As Executive Director of Children’s Services, you will be a key member of the Corporate Leadership Team, taking on the statutory responsibilities of the Director of Children’s Services while driving our ambitious vision for children, young people and families.

Operating at a strategic level, you will lead the delivery of high-quality, inclusive and cost-effective services. You will ensure that children and young people—particularly the most vulnerable—remain at the heart of everything we do.

You will also play an influential role in shaping our wider place-based ambitions, contributing to the BIG50 vision to make North Northamptonshire a proud, prosperous and forward-looking place where all residents can thrive.

If you are interested in this opportunity and would like to arrange an informal discussion, please contact Rachel Girvan at rachel.girvan@northnorthants.gov.uk

What will you be doing?

In this high-profile leadership role, you will:

Provide strategic leadership for all Children’s Services, ensuring the Council meets its statutory responsibilities and delivers improved outcomes for children and families.

• Act as the statutory Director of Children’s Services, leading on safeguarding, corporate parenting and education responsibilities.
• Lead and manage the client relationship with Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, ensuring effective contract management, performance oversight and continuous improvement.
• Drive transformation and innovation, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, creativity and high performance across services.
• Work collaboratively with Members, partners and stakeholders, influencing at local, regional and national levels to secure the best outcomes for our communities.
• Lead on education, early help and skills services, ensuring high standards, regulatory compliance and strong Ofsted outcomes.
• Champion partnership working, building strong relationships across multi-agency systems to support children and young people from early years through to adulthood.
• Ensure effective governance, financial management and performance oversight, delivering value for money while maintaining high-quality services

About you

We are looking for a collaborative, inspirational and resilient leader who is passionate about improving the lives of children and young people

You will bring:

• Substantial senior leadership experience within children’s services in a local authority, health, or social care environment, including experience operating at a strategic level equivalent to Director or Deputy Director roles in children’s service.
• In-depth knowledge of the Children’s Services landscape, including safeguarding, education, statutory duties and regulatory frameworks such as Ofsted.
• Proven ability to lead in a political environment, building strong relationships with elected Members and providing expert professional advice.
• Outstanding partnership and influencing skills, with the ability to work across organisational boundaries and inspire others toward a shared vision.
• Strong commercial, financial and contract management expertise, with experience of managing large, complex budgets and commissioned services.
• A visible and values-driven leadership style, able to motivate teams, drive cultural change and deliver results through others.

Above all, you will be passionate about putting children, young people and families at the heart of decision-making, bringing energy, integrity and a clear vision for the future.

Interview dates: 26th June 2026

Please note that any at risk individuals who apply for the role who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria and skills for a suitable role, will be given priority over other applicants.

Our Benefits

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

Generous Time Off
Enjoy up to 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after five years of service. Need more flexibility? You can even buy up to two extra weeks—because we know life doesn’t always fit around work.

A Pension That Powers Your Future
Secure your tomorrow with the UK’s largest local government pension scheme—plus added peace of mind with life cover worth three times your salary.

Enhanced Family & Caring Support
We’re here for you when it matters most. Benefit from enhanced parental and carers leave, giving you the time and support to focus on what really matters during life’s biggest moments.

Fantastic Everyday Perks
Make your money go further with exclusive discounts on everything from groceries to holidays. You’ll also enjoy perks like a cycle-to-work scheme, discounted parking in our local parks, discounted gym membership, and so much more.

Grow, Learn & succeed
Your development is our priority. From hands-on training and workshops to apprenticeships and professional qualifications, we’ll support your journey every step of the way.

About us

North Northamptonshire Council will be an exemplar council, recognised for having an expert, connected and future ready workforce. Our colleagues will deliver outstanding public services that are smarter, faster and fairer. Working together as One Council, we will make a positive and tangible difference to the lives of everyone who make North Northamptonshire their home and place of work. Our workforce is without doubt our greatest asset and the heartbeat of the council.

To achieve these aims, we will create a working environment where colleagues feel valued, trusted and supported. An environment where leaders are professional, visible and values led. Our Values and Behaviours

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

We are proud to be a recognised Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role.

Our Employment and Disability Service provides bespoke support to individuals facing barriers to employment, helping them work towards their goals to start, stay and succeed in employment. For further information please click here The Employment and Disability Service (EADS) | North Northamptonshire Council.

Support During the Process

Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks

This role is subject to:

• Legal right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
• 2 References

• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner.

These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.

North Northamptonshire Council does not hold a Skilled Worker Sponsorship Licence, therefore we will decline any applications from candidates who require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

The council obtained the Gold status award for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). This pledge highlights our commitment to the Armed Forces Community. Further information can be found at Jobs and careers | North Northamptonshire Council (northnorthants.gov.uk)