Havering is a forward-thinking, progressive borough going through a period of great change. In this pivotal, high profile role, you will shape that change – modelling new ways of delivery and ensuring that seven key teams are fully equipped and future-focused.

Your challenge will be to build on our past success and turn an already well-performing service into a great one. That's why you'll need to be a highly motivated and resilient corporate leader who can hit the ground running and accelerate the rate of progress in Havering.

You'll be responsible for giving the borough's vulnerable children and young people the best possible start in life. You'll oversee child protection, fostering and adoption services, as well as supporting children with disabilities and additional educational needs. Managing the performance of our seven business unit managers to ensure they deliver the agreed service plans will be central to your success.

In the first instance, you must have a professional social work qualification and substantial management experience of children's social services at a senior level. On top of this, you'll need to possess a broad mix of skills and capabilities – including the ability to think and act strategically to make our services smarter.

A decisive and highly skilled influencer and negotiator, you should also be able to inspire confidence from staff, politicians and the public in order to embed a culture of continuous and ambitious improvement both inside and outside the Council.

For a confidential discussion please contact Sue Butterworth Group Director Children Services on 01708 432443.

This post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; the successful applicant will be expected to undertake a satisfactory disclosure. Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from obtaining a position with the Council. Any disabled applicants meeting the essential criteria set out in the person profile for a job will be guaranteed an interview. To apply online please visit our website.