Sandwell Council
Service Director - Commissioning and Partnerships
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Lead Strategic Change. Build Stronger Partnerships. Improve Lives.
Sandwell is a borough with ambition, momentum, and a determination to deliver better outcomes for children, young people, and families. Recognised as one of the most improved councils in the country, we have made significant progress on our improvement journey, but we know there is more to do. We are building on that success by strengthening partnerships, modernising services, and creating a culture focused on excellence, innovation, and impact.
About the Role
This is an outstanding opportunity to join our Children and Education leadership team as Service Director – Commissioning & Partnerships, a pivotal role at the centre of our ambitions for children, young people, and families across Sandwell.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership across commissioning, partnerships, participation and engagement, governance, business administration, data intelligence, and performance.
- Lead ambitious commissioning strategies, develop innovative approaches to service delivery, and ensure that services are designed around the needs of children, young people, and families.
- Work across organisational boundaries, building and maintaining strong relationships with colleagues, partners, health organisations, education providers, the voluntary sector, and wider stakeholders.
- Champion the voice of children and families, embedding participation and co-production into decision-making and service design.
- Ensure that resources are targeted effectively, services are informed by evidence and intelligence, and that robust governance, quality assurance, and performance management arrangements support continuous improvement.
- Shape strategic priorities, drive innovation, and ensure the Council is well positioned to meet future challenges and opportunities.
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Key Requirements
- Influential leader with a strong track record in strategic commissioning, partnership development, transformation, and performance improvement.
- Excellent relationship-building skills, political awareness, and a strong understanding of governance, commissioning, and public service delivery.
- Passionate about creating opportunities and improving outcomes for children, young people, and families.
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Why Join Us
- As part of our senior leadership team, you will help shape the future of Children and Education Services, influence borough-wide priorities, and contribute to one of local government's most exciting improvement stories.
- Work alongside ambitious colleagues who are committed to collaboration, innovation, and delivering meaningful change for the communities we serve.
If You Are Ready
- To lead at scale, build powerful partnerships, and drive transformational change that improves lives, we would love to hear from you.
Closing Date for Applications
- Midnight on Sunday 6th September
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