Healthier,more fulfilling lives for all adults in Southend – it's a simple yet ambitious aim, and we're committed to delivering it.

But we knowthat achieving it won't be easy; so if you're one of those valuable peoplewho bring both experience and new thinking, this could be an exceptional step change in your career.

Innovations such as SHIP (Southend's Health &Wellbeing Information Point), the introduction of a single point of referral, and our successful Home Again project show that Adult Services hasmore than earned its share of the credit for our recognition as 2012 LGC Council of the Year.

But our commitment to continual review and improvementmeans that we're never satisfied, and we're looking to appoint a new Head of Service who can raise the bar yet again.

Part of the senior leadership teamof the Council, reporting to the Director of People, you'll inherit a strong and talented team. This role has a strong focus on contract management, QA and service development, as well as newmodels of funding and delivering services in the future.

Resilient, persuasive and with real empathy for our work and client group, you'll also bring a sophisticated grasp of how to design and deliver the changes which will be necessary to secure the provision of adult care in the context of growing demand and reduced resources.

To be successful, you'll need to show the personal skills to engage with – and carefully consider the views of – carers, service users, and other stakeholders.

Experience of working with health colleagues (particularly within new structures) will be an advantage. Formore information, please visit the Head of Adult Services web page or call Terry McDougall at SOLACE Enterprises on 0845 601 0649. Closing date: 31May 2013.