At North Northamptonshire Council, we believe that great leadership is rooted in kindness, care, collaboration and community. We’re looking for an exceptional Assistant Director for Family Services and Strategic Partnerships – a values-driven leader with the vision, empathy and determination to make a lasting difference for children, families and communities across our area.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Children’s Services, you will lead the strategic direction and operational oversight of Family Services, Family Help, Youth Work, Family Hubs and key partnership programmes, ensuring our approach is joined-up, inclusive and grounded in the voices of children, young people and families.

Working alongside senior colleagues and partners (including health, education, the voluntary sector and the Northamptonshire Children’s Trust), you will champion integrated working and deliver transformative change that improves outcomes, strengthens relationships and builds community resilience.

What You’ll Do

You’ll provide clear, compassionate leadership across Family Services and Strategic Partnerships, ensuring that services are innovative, effective and responsive to the needs of children and families. You’ll drive service improvement, safeguard quality and lead on partnership arrangements that promote co-production, shared accountability and continuous learning.

As a strategic leader, you’ll influence across systems and sectors, aligning family help, early intervention, and partnership strategies with the Council’s wider vision for children and families. You’ll ensure services are financially sustainable, evidence-led and compliant with statutory requirements, while creating a culture of collaboration, transparency and care.

This role will see you representing North Northamptonshire on regional and national stages, helping shape the agenda for family help, early intervention and system reform. Above all, your work will be guided by a simple but powerful goal, ensuring every child and family can thrive.

About You

You’re an inspiring and inclusive leader with senior experience across children’s services, family help or related partnership environments. You combine strategic insight with emotional intelligence and a deep commitment to public service. You’ll bring:

• A relevant degree or equivalent qualification.

• Proven strategic and operational leadership experience in children’s services or partnerships.

• Strong knowledge of service improvement, safeguarding and partnership delivery models.

• Exceptional communication, influence and relationship-building skills.

• Experience managing complex budgets and cross-agency programmes.

• The ability to lead with integrity, compassion and courage.

If you are a compassionate and visionary leader who believes in the power of partnership and community, we’d love to hear from you.

This role requires the ability to drive and use of a vehicle, as travel across North Northamptonshire will be necessary.