Service Manager

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Suffolk, base to be confirmed. Hybrid working
• Salary:£60,135 - £71,634 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we’re driven to make a positive difference to the children, young people, families and communities we serve, andtothe careers of our people.

That’s why, when you join us as Service Manager
, you’ll be encouraged to bring fresh thinking, provide confident leadership and help shape high-quality independent safeguarding and reviewing arrangements across Suffolk.

As Service Manager for Children’s Independent Statutory Services, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight across Suffolk’s independent statutory functions for children in care and child protection.

You will:

• lead the delivery and ongoing development of Children’s Independent Statutory Services, ensuring effective oversight, scrutiny and review of services for children and young people.
• provide robust independent challenge and professional scrutiny to promote high-quality practice and positive outcomes.
• champion Suffolk’s Signs of Safety and Wellbeing practice framework, embedding its principles across statutory services.
• work collaboratively with operational leaders and partner agencies, including Police, Health and Education, to strengthen safeguarding arrangements and multi‑agency partnerships.
• drive quality assurance, performance management and service improvement activity, using evidence, learning and feedback to enhance practice.
• contribute to the wider leadership of Children and Young People's Services as part of a committed and ambitious management team dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families across Suffolk.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• a recognised social work qualification, Social Work England registration and significant management experience within children’s services.
• proven ability to provide strategic and operational leadership across complex statutory services.
• extensive knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, safeguarding practice and emerging research.
• confidence in delivering independent scrutiny, constructive challenge and professional advice in complex and sensitive situations.
• excellent analytical, report-writing and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and partnership boards.
• experience of leading, supporting and developing highly skilled practitioners working within children in care and child protection services.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile, which you can find in the ‘

How to apply

’ section towards the bottom of this advert.

Children’s Independent Statutory Services is made up of experienced and passionate professionals who provide independent oversight, review and challenge to ensure children and young people receive the support they need.

You will lead and support a highly skilled team, creating an environment that promotes professional excellence, continuous learning and high‑quality practice. Together, the team plays a vital role in driving positive outcomes and ensuring the voices of children and young people remain at the heart of decision‑making.

In return, we offer:

• a comprehensive induction, regular supervision and ongoing professional development opportunities
• access to peer support, reflective practice and collaboration with senior leaders and partners across the county
• the opportunity to shape and influence independent statutory practice within a high‑performing service
• a rewarding leadership role where you can make a…