# Head of Children's ServicesRef no:: ABS45537Published:: 27/10/2025Closes:: 09/11/2025Location:: Woodhill House, Westburn Road, Aberdeen, AB16 5GBSalary:: £106,735 per yearContract Type:: PermanentPosition Type:: Full TimeHours:: 37 hours per weekWork From Home:: Hybrid## Job DescriptionWe’re looking for an inspiring and strategic leader to help shape the future of Education and Children’s Services (ECS) and contribute to the wider vision of the Council. This pivotal role involves working closely with the Chief Executive, Director, senior managers, and Elected Members to support children, young people and their families, drive transformation, deliver high-quality services, and support the Council’s corporate objectives.You’ll lead service planning, change programmes, and performance improvement initiatives, ensuring resources are used effectively and that staff are empowered, motivated, and supported. A key part of the role is fostering strong partnerships across public, private, and voluntary sectors, while promoting a customer-first ethos and championing equality and diversity.We’re looking for a dynamic leader with senior management experience in social work or a related field, and a strong track record of leading teams, managing budgets, and delivering impactful results. You’ll bring excellent project management skills, political awareness, and a genuine passion for improving lives. In a time of financial challenge, you’ll take pride in using resources wisely and creatively to drive meaningful change in supporting children, young people and their families.If you would like to discuss this vacancy please contact**Laurence Findlay, Director of Education and Children’s Services – laurence.findlay@aberdeenshire.gov.uk**## RequirementsThis post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. A confirmed offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory.It is Aberdeenshire Council’s procedure that applicants for vacancies of this nature require to participate in an assessment centre as well as interview. Please note, assessment centres and interviews may be carried out on different dates which will be confirmed in due course.This post has a minimum requirement of one reference which must be your current or most recent employer.For more information about living and working in Aberdeenshire, please clickPlease feel free to read our guidance on, Guaranteed Interview and how to requestThis is a Politically Restricted position as identified by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Further information on restrictions as a result of this designation is available here.A Privacy Notice giving you information on the data we hold on you, what we do with that data, who we share your data with and your rights under GDPR is available. Alternatively we can send a copy if you ask us to by emailing askhr@aberdeenshire.gov.ukAberdeenshire Council appreciates the value of a diverse workforce. We adopt inclusive practices, transparent policies and foster a culture built on mutual respect.## Job Attachments* Share this job posting via Email### Advertisement
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