Title

WORKFORCE

Service Manager – Adult Services Improvement Programme

Three-year fixed-term contract Salary up to £74,317 pa

Location: Central Oxford

Summary

Oxfordshire County Council is an extremely ambitious authority. This is an outstanding opportunity to join us and change the face of our Adult Social Care Service.

The role

Leading a three-year Improvement Programme, your task will be to overhaul our entire directorate, creating a proactive and preventative service that puts choice and control in the hands of individuals.

There's no denying it will be a huge challenge – but one that will prove a truly exciting and rewarding achievement in the career of the right person.

Internally, we will look to you to transform the way our operational teams work and streamline processes and systems. Externally, you will need to forge successful new links with a range of partners including health agencies, as reducing admissions to and time spent in hospital is vital. Key to your success will be your ability to inspire the support and respect of 3,000 staff.

So what special qualities will you need to be able to turn our ambitious vision into reality – and build a better service for everyone?

You

In such a high-profile role, it goes without saying that you need to know Social Care inside out. Crucially, you'll need the gravitas and drive to lead change from the front-line to the leadership team – as well as the influence and confidence to challenge processes and resolve conflict.

In fact, with your impressive and comprehensive experience as a Social Services Manager, you are more than comfortable delivering complex change projects. If you relish the idea of this being your next one, find out more by visiting this website or for a confidential discussion please ring Anthony Hopkin on 07500 042272 or Jonathan Swain on 07500 961727 at Penna.

Closing date: 12th July

WORKFORCE

Turning the dial on growth

By Mark Bretton | 01 May 2026

Delivering local growth has just got a lot harder, says Mark Bretton. But he believes Business Board leaders can bring value to local authorities, bypass the...

WORKFORCE

Making the shift

By Christine Marshall | 30 April 2026

As the sector gears up for a new wave of unitarisation, Christine Marshall reflects on the move from districts to a unitary council as executive director for...

WORKFORCE

Children's service reforms lack 'foundations for success'

By Martin Ford | 30 April 2026

The Government must go further to fix children’s social care market, a think-tank has urged.

WORKFORCE

Recruitment, retention and the moment the sector must not waste

By Sarah France-Gorton | 30 April 2026

Sarah France-Gorton says there is a now an unmissable opportunity to solve the recruitment issues facing local government – but warns it’s time to stop askin...