Strategic Head of Service

Strategic Head of Service (Corporate Parenting) Children’s Social Care

Salary: Up to £64,969 plus £10,000 annual Market Factor Supplement
Full-time

Join Rochdale’s Visionary Leadership Team

We are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity to join Rochdale Borough Council as Strategic Head of Service (Corporate Parenting) within Children’s Social Care with responsibility for Cared for Children & Cared Experienced Young People, Residential Services, and Fostering & Adoption Services.

This pivotal role will shape and lead the strategic development and delivery of services that safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people, and their families.

Rochdale is nationally recognised for its innovative and impactful work with children and families with OFSTED recognising our ambitions for children and families in Rochdale as part of a recent focus visit.

Our strong partnerships and pioneering Family Safeguarding Model place relationships at the heart of our practice. We are proud of our culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

The Opportunity

As Strategic Head of Service for Corporate Parenting, you will work closely with the Assistant Director of Children’s Social Care to ensure the effective delivery of high-quality services. You will lead strategic planning, drive service transformation, and collaborate with key stakeholders to deliver integrated, outcome-focused support for children and families.

You will also be a key member of the Children’s Services Senior Management Team, helping to shape services in response to national and local policy developments.

Key Responsibilities

• System Leadership
  Drive strategic alignment with national policy and local priorities, ensuring services reflect the Council’s vision.
• Quality of Practice
  Embed evidence-based, trauma-informed, and relational practice across all services, fostering a culture of high performance and innovation.
• Communication & Engagement
  Provide visible, motivational leadership that inspires teams and promotes continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
• Managing Resources
  Build a confident, capable, and resilient workforce through ethical leadership, reflective supervision, and professional development.
• Quality Assurance & Performance Management
  Contribute to strategic planning and delivery of key service plans, including the Children’s Services Plan;

• Organisational Development
  Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion across all services, ensuring timely completion of Equality Impact Assessments and action plans.

About You

You will be a qualified social worker registered with Social Work England, with a strong track record in senior leadership and management. You will bring:

• In-depth knowledge of childcare legislation, national strategies, and emerging policy developments.
• Proven ability to lead in complex, high-pressure environments.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and service excellence.

Please ensure your application demonstrates how you meet the person specification and includes reference to your qualifications as outlined in the person specification.

Assessment & Interview

Candidates will be required to complete a short assessment exercise on the day of the interview and present to the panel. A young person’s panel will also form part of the selection process.

Interviews will take place at Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale, OL16 1XU on Monday, 2^nd March 2026.

Why Rochdale?

We are proud of our values:

• Proud of the difference we make
• Passionate about the diversity of our Borough
• Pioneering and open in our approach

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

Rochdale Borough Council is part of the Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment, recognising continuous service across GM local authorities and partner organisations.

We reward you with great benefits:

• Highly competitive salary with an opportunity to earn up to £1,000 extra, every year (£500 retention payment every six months)
• Green fleet car scheme with NHS Fleet solutions
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Staff recognition awards and celebration events
• Mileage payment and town centre parking scheme
• Up to 34 days annual leave with an option to buy more
• Paid for Social Work England professional fees
• Staff discount at popular retail and leisure sites

Other benefits

• Work in a modern, award-winning building
• Be conveniently located next to the Metrolink, bus exchange and a short walk from Rochdale train station
• You’re also a 10-minute drive from the M62 corridor

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this in your application.

Interested?

To discuss the role further, please contact:
Abu Siddique, Assistant Director Children’s Social Care

Abu.siddique@rochdale.gov.uk