Executive Director of Children's Services
£149,000 - £175,000
Full-Time
Permanent
Stockport
Application Deadline: 28 June 2026, 11:59pm
This is a defining leadership opportunity in a borough with real momentum
Stockport is one of the UK’s leading local authorities recognised nationally, ambitious locally, and clear about where we’re going next.
Ambitious Stockport
Award-winning. Partnership-led. Purpose-driven.
* MJ Local Authority of the Year 2025
* MJ Senior Leadership Team of the Year 2024
* Strong system leadership across Greater Manchester
* A culture built on collaboration, honesty and ambition
This is a Big Opportunity
This is a pivotal role at a defining moment for Stockport. With a clear long-term vision One Stockport, One Future we’re bringing partners, communities and services together to help everyone live happy, healthy lives.
The Stockport Family
A different way of working rooted in people and place
Our model brings services together around:
* Prevention and early help
* Strengths-based, asset-led practice
* Community capacity and neighbourhood working
* Local delivery footprints for better insight and impact
The opportunity ahead
Strong foundations. Clear ambition. Space to lead.
We know where we are on our journey. Inspection recognised solid foundations and committed sta’ alongside areas to strengthen.
That’s your opportunity:
To lead the next phase of progress with full organisational backing. An independent peer review described Stockport as “an impressive organisation with strong relationships and a clear sense of purpose.”
What You’ll Lead
You will lead the next phase of improvement across:
* Children’s social care and safeguarding
* Education and SEND
* Early help and prevention
* Partnership delivery across the system
You’ll build on strong foundations, restore momentum and drive lasting change for children and families.
Who you are
A leader with purpose and presence
We’re looking for someone who brings:
* Strategic ambition and clarity
* Warmth and authenticity
* Strong partnership working
* A deep commitment to children and families
Join us
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a borough with confidence, ambition and a clear sense of nationally acclaimed direction.
Contact Nick Raper on 07715 690463 or Kelly Ridley on 07709 512415 at Penna for a confidential discussion.
Closing date: 11:59pm, Sunday 28 June 2026
Stockport Council is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce culture - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities to join our workforce.
We want our employees to have a good work life balance and in many job roles we can offer a range of flexible/hybrid working arrangements. We also have inclusive employment policies and staff engagement forums to support our diverse workforce. We will listen to, learn from, and develop our workforce.
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