Senior Manager - Support and Protect (Hybrid Working)

Cumberland Council is seeking a Senior Manager to join our Children and Family Wellbeing Service. This is a permanent leadership role with responsibility for the effective delivery of the Children’s assessment and support service (front door) and safeguarding services to children and families — including those subject to Child in Need and Child Protection plans, as well as children and young people within the Public Law Outline and Court proceedings.

As a Senior Manager, you’ll provide strategic leadership, management oversight, and visible direction to ensure high standards of practice and service delivery. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping early permanence planning, driving practice improvement, and leading complex and high-risk work with children and families.

This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact, working in partnership, CAFCASS, the judiciary, Cumbria Police, health colleagues, and education services to ensure a whole-system approach from the point of contact with services through to safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and young people.

The role offers flexibility to be based at either our Workington office (West Cumbria House) or our Carlisle office (Cumbria House).

This role is available on a permanent basis.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for an experienced and inspirational leader who is passionate about safeguarding and improving the lives of children and families. You’ll bring:

• A recognised social work qualification (Honours Degree or equivalent).
• Extensive experience in services for children in need of help and protection.
• Proven leadership in managing teams, budgets, and high-risk, complex casework.
• Strong skills in building and influencing partnerships across agencies.
• Strategic vision and a commitment to learning, innovation, and continuous improvement.

You’ll be someone who can lead with confidence, inspire colleagues, and contribute to a culture of positivity and support, while maintaining a focus on achieving the best outcomes for children and young people.

We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.

We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.

To find out more about the role and the flexibility and benefits of working for Cumberland Council, please click the APPLY button now.