Executive Director of Children's Services, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council

This is a defining leadership opportunity in a borough with real momentum

Stockport is one of the UK’s leading local authorities – recognised nationally, ambitious locally, and clear about where we’re going next.

Ambitious Stockport

Award-winning. Partnership-led. Purpose-driven.

• MJ Local Authority of the Year 2025

• MJ Senior Leadership Team of the Year 2024

• Strong system leadership across Greater Manchester

• A culture built on collaboration, honesty and ambition

This is a Big Opportunity

This is a pivotal role at a defining moment for Stockport. With a clear long-term vision – One Stockport, One Future – we’re bringing partners, communities and services together to help everyone live happy, healthy lives.

The Stockport Family

A different way of working – rooted in people and place

Our model brings services together around:

• Prevention and early help

• Strengths-based, asset-led practice

• Community capacity and neighbourhood working

• Local delivery footprints for better insight and impact

The opportunity ahead

Strong foundations. Clear ambition. Space to lead.

We know where we are on our journey. Inspection recognised solid foundations and committed sta’— alongside areas to strengthen.

That’s your opportunity:

To lead the next phase of progress with full organisational backing. An independent peer review described Stockport as “an impressive organisation with strong relationships and a clear sense of purpose.”

What You’ll Lead

You will lead the next phase of improvement across:

• Children’s social care and safeguarding

• Education and SEND

• Early help and prevention

• Partnership delivery across the system

You’ll build on strong foundations, restore momentum and drive lasting change for children and families.

Who you are

A leader with purpose and presence

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Strategic ambition and clarity

• Warmth and authenticity

• Strong partnership working

• A deep commitment to children and families

Join us

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a borough with confidence, ambition and a clear sense of nationally acclaimed direction.

Contact Nick Raper on 07715 690463 or Kelly Ridley on 07709 512415 at Penna for a confidential discussion.

Closing date: 11:59pm, Sunday 28 June 2026

For further information, please click the links below:

www.stockport.gov.uk/leadingstockport

Executive Director of Children’s Services - Stockport Council

How to Apply

1. Upload your CV under “Please select one of the options below.”
2. Complete the short mandatory fields on the next page.
3. Use ‘Add Attachments’ to upload your Supporting Statement and any other documents.
4. Please ensure that the file name of your CV and supporting statement includes your full name.
5. Ensure both CV and Supporting Statement are uploaded before submitting your application.
6. If you have a long-term health condition or disability and would like your application to be considered in accordance with a Disability Confident Scheme, please email: execapplications@penna.com to inform the Penna team.