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We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Head of Service - YP and Ofsted Matrix Lead located at our Head Office in Caledonian Road.

£65,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.

Want to feel like you're part of one team? You'll feel at home here.

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

What you'll do:

As a key senior leader in Look Ahead, the Head of Service for Housing Related Support will work in alignment with the Director of Housing Related Support, and the wider Senior Management Team to drive performance, quality, business, and financial efficiencies. The role will provide expertise and capacity to support the organisation to deliver is vision and strategic objectives.

The Head of Service will the registered Manager for Ofsted, the strategic and operational lead for Young People services and will ensure delivery of consistent and high-quality performance across the Housing Related Support directorate.

The successful candidate will ensure that all Services are meeting Ofsted regulatory requirements, run effectively, well managed financially and employees are performing at high levels. As Ofsted Lead the successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the ethos of services through developing a culture of high aspiration for young people which is demonstrated through the support, resources and opportunities offered to the young people.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.

Leadership Accountabilities:

Develop and maintain a culture that supports collaboration and service improvement whilst behaving like a role model, always displaying Look Ahead's values and behaviours.
Contribute as a key member of Look Ahead's Senior Management Team, leading and contributing to organisational strategic priorities and projects in a solution focused way.
Provide effective, visible leadership ensuring challenging objectives are set within a performance and quality focused environment.
Focus on external stakeholder management, maintaining and building new relationships to support organic growth and new business opportunities.
Lead a performance culture and deliver on budget, quality standards and full KPI compliance.
Lead by example, ensuring services are effectively managed by Service Managers and Deputy Managers to deliver excellent, high-quality services to all customers.
Work in collaboration with internal stakeholders to achieve objectives and meet targets.
Ensure all managers are coaching and developing their people resources to ensure the highest level of performance.
Operational Accountabilities:

Responsible for ensuring Service Managers/budget holders deliver on budget; robust budget management practices, shared learning, increasing commercial capability at management level.
Maximise income through business development and remodelling opportunities.
Be responsible for identifying loss making contracts and lead on negotiations with Director of Housing Related Support to improve financial viability.
As part of wider management team, support new business opportunities across directorate.
Effective management of any safeguarding incidents and appropriate escalation of any emerging risks
Undertake investigations as required.
Lead on ensuring all services are audit ready, striving for outstanding performance and deliver and adhering to compliance with policies and procedures.
Ensure compliance with Housing and Landlord is met across all services.
Matrix Lead Responsibilities:

Be the Registered Manager for Ofsted.
Lead on developing effective working relationships with each young person's accommodating authority.
Lead on overseeing a workforce plan that ensures employees have the experience, qualifications, and skills appropriate for the work that they perform.
Keep up to date with knowledge of Ofsted and relevant regulatory requirements.
What you'll bring:

Essential:

The ideal person for this role will have:

Over two years Management experience and knowledge of working with children and young people in the Supported accommodation/ children's homes sector.
Expertise and passion for children and young people.
Understanding of Ofsted supported accommodation regulations.
Have the skills, knowledge, and ability to represent the organisation in a way that promotes both good practice and continuous improvement,
Experience of managing geographically diverse team.
A positive attitude and ability to motivate direct reports.
Proven experience of being a strategic lead across relevant services.
Experience of successfully delivering in a contract and target driven environment.
Proven financial management experience and delivering surplus.
Proven influencing and negotiation skills
Excellent prioritisation and organisational skills
Resilience and ability to work effectively in a team as well as self-manage.
Ability to cope with change in a fast paced and challenging environment.
A degree or equivalent. Hold relevant CMI/NVQ Level 4 or other business/management qualification.
Have relevant training and/or specialist qualifications.

For our full job description please visit our website.