Interim Head of Business & Operations - Adult Social Care
📍 East London (Hybrid Working)
🕒 12-Week Contract | 36 Hours per Week
💼 Inside IR35
💰 £550 per day (Umbrella) / £414.66 PAYE
📅 Start Date: April 2026
We're working with a London-based local authority to appoint an experienced Interim Head of Business & Operations within Adult Social Care. This is a high-impact leadership role focused on driving transformation, improving performance, and ensuring financial sustainability across ASC services.
This opportunity would suit a senior leader with a strong track record in local government transformation, programme delivery, and system-wide partnership working.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Improvement & Transformation
* Lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive ASC Improvement & Transformation Programme
* Translate national policy and regulatory requirements into local, outcome-focused initiatives
* Drive service redesign across Care Act duties, safeguarding, prevention, and independence
* Lead inspection readiness (including CQC assurance frameworks) and external reviews
* Establish clear governance, policies, and operating models
Financial Sustainability & Performance
* Identify and deliver savings and cost-avoidance initiatives aligned to financial strategy
* Lead data-driven service improvements using performance, benchmarking, and demand modelling
* Manage overspend recovery plans and embed robust performance frameworks
Programme & Change Leadership
* Establish programme governance, risk, and reporting structures
* Lead complex, multi-stakeholder transformation programmes
* Build organisational capability in improvement methodologies (e.g. Lean, systems thinking)
* Provide reporting to senior leadership, elected members, and boards
Partnership & System Leadership
* Work closely with NHS partners, voluntary sector, and community stakeholders
* Support integration priorities including hospital discharge and community-based care models
* Lead on strategic forums and cross-system collaboration
* Oversee partnership arrangements (e.g. Section 75 agreements) and governance frameworks
Culture & Workforce Development
* Promote strengths-based, person-centred practice
* Support workforce development aligned to transformation goals
* Engage and lead staff through change to ensure sustainable delivery
About You
* Proven senior leadership experience within Adult Social Care, ideally in a local authority setting
* Strong track record of delivering transformation and improvement programmes
* Deep understanding of ASC policy, legislation, and regulatory frameworks
* Experience managing budgets, savings programmes, and financial recovery
* Skilled in partnership working across health and social care systems
* Confident leading organisational change and influencing at senior level
Additional Information
* Hybrid working - with office presence in East London as required
* Enhanced DBS required
* Interviews scheduled mid-April (via MS Teams)