Head of Service
Job Title: Interim Head of Service – Commissioning & Transformation (Children’s Services)**
Location: London
Contract: 6-9 months
Rate: £500-550 per day (Inside IR35)
Role: Hybrid (2 days per week on-site)
A forward-thinking London local authority is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Service – Commissioning & Transformation to provide collaborative and strategic leadership across commissioning, contracts, and service redesign during a key period of development.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a council dedicated to delivering positive outcomes for children, young people, and families through innovative, values-led transformation. Working alongside the Assistant Director and senior leadership team, you will shape commissioning strategies that strengthen services, enhance collaboration, and ensure sustainable impact.
You will be responsible for leading commissioning and transformation across placements, early help, and targeted services, focusing on sufficiency, partnership working, and embedding effective commissioning practice across the organisation.
What we’re looking for:
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Substantial experience as a Head of Service or Assistant Director within Children’s Services commissioning or transformation
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A proven ability to lead improvement and service redesign with empathy and clear strategic direction
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Strong understanding of placements, sufficiency planning, and cooperative commissioning models
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Skilled at building positive relationships and inspiring confidence across partners and teams
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Committed to achieving the best outcomes for children and families through inclusive, evidence-based leadership
The Role:
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Strategic leadership opportunity during a key period of service development
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Chance to shape and embed lasting commissioning and transformation improvements
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Supportive, inclusive senior leadership team with a strong shared vision
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Flexible hybrid working arrangement (2 days on-site per week)
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Competitive day rate (Inside IR35)
If you’re an experienced commissioning and transformation leader who thrives on collaboration, innovation, and impact, this role offers an opportunity to make a real difference for children and families.
