Group Manager
Location: Gloucestershire, Shire Hall, Gloucester. Salary: £63,132 – £68,342 per annum. Hours: 37.00 per week. Contract Type: Fixed Term until 31 March 2027. Closing date: 21 June 2026. Job Requisition #: 14311. Post is open for job share.
Responsibilities
- Lead change and implementation of the new Family Help and Multi‑Agency Child Protection teams in collaboration with statutory partners.
- Develop programme policy and co‑production approach with academy and operational stakeholders.
- Work closely with the Gloucestershire Senior Leadership Team to implement new ways of working and support practice delivery.
- Embed systemic practice with children and families, protecting children at risk of harm and supporting those unable to remain with birth families.
- Provide line management, coaching and support to teams; establish goals and expectations aligned to GCC priorities and hold direct reports accountable.
- Collaborate with Assistant Directors and other Group Managers to ensure consistent, high‑quality service delivery across the county.
- Lead quality assurance framework to monitor performance, identify strengths and improvement areas, and liaise with senior leaders for service planning.
- Enhance and develop practice and operational lead roles.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Social Work qualified.
- Full driving licence and willingness to drive.
- Enhanced Adults and Children DBS clearance.
- Management and leadership experience in social work or a related field.
- Excellent knowledge of child protection and legal literacy.
- Strong written and presentation skills, organisational and project management ability.
- Research‑driven, creative thinker with horizon‑scanning capability.
- Experience of leading practice improvement and service delivery for children and families.
Reward and Support
- Salary £63,132 – £68,342 per annum (subject to experience).
- Flexible and agile working opportunities.
- 25.5 days annual leave rising to 30.5 days after 5 years of continuous service.
- Option to purchase 10 days of additional leave per year.
- Family‑friendly policies and benefits.
- Supportive and positive working environment with robust supervision.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Employee Assistance Programme offering free, confidential counselling and advice.
- In‑house Occupational Health service.
- Employee discount scheme.
- Access to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) and Young Employees Network.
- Career development and qualification opportunities.
- Access to the Social Work Academy.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Green Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
- Potential sponsorship in line with Home Office guidance, subject to pre‑employment checks.
Legal & Safeguarding
This position is subject to a DBS check.
Applicants must hold a valid right to work in the UK and provide appropriate references.
