The core focus of this job is to lead delivery of a portfolio of services to support a range of clients (internal and external through partnerships and/or commercial arrangements). Services to specific clients will be subject to individual requirements reflecting the different needs of different organisations. Strategic Management: Lead the service in devising and implementing of strategies and service plan to ensure consistent, high quality and effective delivery of the service. Ensures the promotion of the plan to all stakeholders Personally and through team members deliver the targets set down in the service and team plans, monitoring and addressing under performance. To contribute to determining strategy, setting objectives and targets and to the development of policies across the operational remit of the service and the Directorate, and, working with the line manager, to be accountable for service strategy. Lead in the development of new ways of working that maximise efficiency and effectiveness. Operational management: To review and propose changes to structures, procedures and working methods that will improve the efficient use of resources and the effectiveness of service delivery to communities and targeted groups. To advise the wider service on relevant changing legislation, professional standards and their implementation. Maximise commercialisation of services provided. To develop, support and promote a strong results driven and customer focused performance culture ensuring the provision of cost-effective, efficient, high quality services in line with identified needs. To lead specific programmes as part of the Councils change and transformation programme. Communications: Influence and liaise with lead business partners as required to ensure that strategic planning and implementation of plans is carried out consistently and effectively. Promote the Councils priorities, policies and Corporate Plan and positively promote the service with local and national media. Work closely with officers / professional staff in understanding / improving the customer journey across a range of NYC services. Manage challenging situations effectively and pro-actively to improve the performance of staff and/or volunteers by maintaining communication with staff and providing the appropriate support and guidance. Represent the service at appropriate inter and intra agency meetings, promoting, liaising, consulting and engaging with managers, staff, people who use our services and their carers and other stakeholders in challenging situations Respond to media enquiries as requested and appraise your manager of any matters arising which are particularly sensitive or controversial in nature. Deliver presentations in order to develop effective service delivery and good stakeholder relationships. Inform and analyse national and local policy change and communicate implications to senior operational managers and frontline staff as appropriate. Partnership / Corporate Working: Work with a range of partners/agencies, both internal and external, to develop and maintain co-operative relationships. When implementing service delivery change ensure activities are aligned, where appropriate, with other changes taking place corporately and across Directorates, including working with colleagues in HR, ICT, Finance, Communications, Legal Services and other functions where required Represent the service at policy, operational and co-ordination forums with external agencies and Council Directorates when required. Resource Management: Be responsible for resources in respect of allocated budgets within the Councils scheme of delegation of financial responsibility. To oversee the service in such a way as to protect its financial and operational viability by maintaining current levels and securing additional business to maximise income generation. Prioritise and allocate staffing to support managers in discharging their responsibilities for meeting the needs of the service. To give leadership, management and direction to staff of the service through the establishment and promotion of service and individual objectives, service performance plans, priority setting, reviews and performance appraisal. To develop and maintain an innovative and responsive approach to the management of resources having regard to the need for economy, efficiency and effectiveness. Carry out people management issues such as recruitment, development, and absence management, setting targets, providing feedback on performance and effectively addressing development and learning issues. Support the delivery of corporate initiatives in delivering transformational change, through effective modelling of positive behaviours and delivering innovative solutions to service delivery and development. Systems and information: Ensure that systems and processes to support the service are consistent with the Council standards and procedures. Produce written reports as required including evaluation and impact statements for distribution service wide and to partners. Use relevant IT systems and tools to support the management, delivery and development of services, ensuring records are accurate and current. Ensure government guidance and legislation are interpreted appropriately and are adhered to in a manner consistent with good practice. Safeguarding: To be committed to safeguarding and promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, raising concerns as appropriate.