Working Pattern: Full time

Working Arrangement: Monday to Friday

Interview Date/Type: Friday 25th September / Face to face

SMART Working: We aim to offer flexibility wherever possible. Many of our colleagues work from home one or more days a week and/or adjust their hours. We call this SMART working - giving you the freedom to shape your working pattern around your life, whilst still delivering great outcomes. Speak with the hiring manager about the range of flexible working options available for this role.

About the Role

Lead transformational change. Shape integrated neighbourhood services. Improve lives across Trafford.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and ambitious leader to join Trafford Council's Adults & Wellbeing senior leadership team as our Head of Neighbourhood Services.

At Trafford, we are transforming the way health and social care services are delivered through our Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, bringing together professionals, partners and communities to provide joined-up, person-centred support closer to home. As Head of Neighbourhood Services, you will play a pivotal role in driving this vision forward and shaping the future of neighbourhood-based adult social care across the borough.

As a key member of our leadership team, you will help deliver our ambition to support residents to live healthy, independent and fulfilling lives, whilst ensuring services are responsive, sustainable and focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for Trafford communities.

About the Role

This is a significant strategic leadership role with responsibility for Adult Social Care service delivery across Trafford's four neighbourhoods. You will provide visible and inspiring leadership to multidisciplinary teams and work closely with Trafford Local Care Organisation, NHS partners, housing providers, community organisations and local residents to deliver truly integrated services that place people at the centre of decision-making.

You will lead the continued development of Trafford's Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, driving innovation, service transformation and new ways of working that promote prevention, independence and community resilience. Working within a complex and evolving health and care landscape, you will ensure services are responsive to local needs whilst supporting the wider ambitions of the Council and the Greater Manchester system.

As Head of Service, you will be responsible for service performance, quality assurance, workforce development, budget management and continuous improvement. You will ensure the effective discharge of the Council's statutory duties under the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and associated adult social care legislation, whilst maintaining a relentless focus on quality, safeguarding and resident outcomes.

You will play a key role in delivering Trafford's Improving Lives Everyday transformation programme, helping to shape the future direction of Adult Social Care and ensuring neighbourhood services continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of our communities. Through strong leadership and partnership working, you will create a culture that encourages innovation, accountability, continuous learning and excellence in practice.

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence strategic decision-making across the borough and make a lasting difference to the lives of residents, families and carers.

About You

We are seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking leader with significant senior management experience within Adult Social Care and a strong track record of leading complex operational services through periods of change and transformation.

You will have a deep understanding of statutory adult social care responsibilities, strengths-based practice and integrated working across health and care systems. You will be passionate about improving outcomes for residents and committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred services that maximise independence and wellbeing.

You will be an engaging and collaborative leader who can build strong relationships across organisations, influence at senior levels and inspire teams to perform at their best. Your ability to think strategically whilst maintaining a focus on operational excellence will enable you to successfully lead services in a challenging and fast-changing environment.

Most importantly, you will share Trafford's ambition to deliver outstanding public services and will bring the energy, resilience and vision required to help shape the future of neighbourhood services across the borough.

This is an exciting time to join Trafford. As we continue our improvement and transformation journey, you will have the opportunity to influence the future of Adult Social Care, strengthen integrated neighbourhood working and help create thriving communities where people can live healthier, more independent and fulfilling lives.

If you are a strategic leader who is passionate about delivering excellent adult social care, building stronger communities and driving meaningful change, we would love to hear from you.

Additional Information

This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible.

  • An enhanced/basic DBS Check with adults barred list will be required.
  • Willing and able to travel locally and nationally as required.
  • Working unsocial hours/weekend working may be required.
  • There will also a staffing panel on Wednesday 23rd September and this will be held on Microsoft Teams.

Find Out More.

For the full details of this opportunity, please refer to the role profile linked below.

If you have any questions or would like an informal chat you can get in contact with Lyndsey Quirk (Director of Social Work & Social Care) at lyndsey.quirk@trafford.gov.uk

About us...

Trafford is a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces. We’re a place where community and opportunity meet. With excellent transport links, a proud heritage as the birthplace of the NHS, world-class sporting venues and outstanding schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.

Why Trafford?

We’re more than just a local authority; we’re a team of passionate people committed to making a real difference. We deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries and leisure and much more. No matter what your role is with us, you will help us to create a borough where all our “residents, businesses and communities thrive.”

Our Culture...

Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They’re not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day.

They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best. If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.

What you'll love about working with us...

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work-life balance:

  • Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
  • Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working
  • Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
  • Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you'll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
  • Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and “Tea and Talk” sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
  • Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let’s Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
  • Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers’ scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.

Key Information...

  • Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we’ll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Trafford Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.
  • Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
  • Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council

Make an Impact. Apply Today.

If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team shaping a better Trafford for our residents, businesses and communities then we'd love to receive an application from you.

We want everyone to feel confident and supported throughout our recruitment process. If you need any help, adjustments or support at any stage, please get in touch with us at recruitment@trafford.gov.uk

After reviewing the role profile and submitting your application, successful candidates will be invited to a short interview to learn more about your skills and experience.

Supporting Documents

Head of Neighbourhood Services Role Profile

Ready to apply?

Location

Talbot Road, , Trafford, M32 0TH, United Kingdom

Job ID

2306

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