Head of Service - Operations

Purpose in Every Decision. Impact in Every Community.

Lancashire County Council has reshaped its Adult Social Care leadership team to build a future ready, high performing senior cohort capable of leading through complexity, integration and change. With Local Government Reorganisation ahead and a clear ambition to strengthen operational grip and system leadership, this is a critical appointment at a defining moment for Lancashire. The scale is significant, the challenges are real, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on residents' lives is substantial.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will lead a large, county wide portfolio spanning Learning Disabilities, Autism, Safeguarding, Approved Mental Health 24/7 services, Supported Living, Community Learning Disability Services, Day Services, Young Adults and more. This is visible, hands on system leadership: driving service performance, strengthening practice, delivering transformation, and bringing firm financial control to a complex and high spend environment.

We are looking for a senior leader with substantial experience managing large scale adult social care operations within a statutory and regulated environment. You'll be able to demonstrate robust budget management, accountability and delivery in challenging financial contexts. You'll bring proven transformation experience, the ability to integrate and redesign services, and the confidence to work across health and multi agency systems with a firm but fair approach.

Politically aware, values driven and resilient, you will operate at pace, hold high standards, build strong teams and foster a culture of collective responsibility.

If you are ready to lead visibly, think strategically, act decisively and improve outcomes at scale, we would welcome your interest.

For a confidential conversation, please contact: Anita Denton (), Zarvesha Rasool () or Helen Alwell () from our recruitment partners Tile Hill.

Closing date: midnight on Sunday 29th March 2026

To apply:

To apply, please submit an up to date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only. If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact .

Applications should include:

• Full contact details;
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Details of your notice period;
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email .