Assistant Director Adults (Complex Needs)

About the Role

Assistant Director (Complex/specialist services)

Manchester is a city of ambition, resilience and delivery, qualities that run through our approach to Adult Social Care. We've built strong foundations through integrated neighbourhood teams, a highly skilled workforce and a relentless focus on independence, safeguarding and inclusion.

We're now recruiting for the role of Assistant Director (complex/specialist services).

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will lead the operational delivery of adult statutory functions within the complex/specialist ASC services. You will have responsibility for the Learning Disability, Mental Health, Sensory, Preparation for Adulthood, No recourse to public funds, Substance Misuse, Entrenched Rough Sleeper teams, Personalisation, and Out of Hours services. You'll be accountable for safe, effective and person centred provision across the city, and you will be leading significant change programmes across the services described above.

This is a role for a leader who combines professional credibility with operational depth. You'll inspire a diverse workforce, embed high standards of practice, and strengthen performance frameworks, all while driving forward integration with health partners through the Manchester Local Care Organisation.

Assessment Centre - Mid to end of April

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a senior leader with a social work qualification, proven operational leadership, and the resilience to deliver in a complex, high pressure environment. You'll balance statutory grip with the creativity to shape new models of care and support.

This is a rare opportunity to be part of one of the most ambitious operational ASC systems in the country and make a real difference to people's lives in one of Europe's most exciting cities.

About Us

We're the local council for one of the UK's most vibrant and diverse cities.

Working for Manchester isn't just a job - it's an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it's strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you'll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.

Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city - a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:

• We take time to listen and understand
• We work together and trust each other
• We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
• We 'own it' and we're not afraid to try new things
• We're proud and passionate about Manchester

Benefits We Offer

• Generous holiday allowance - Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
• Buzzing pension - You'll be enrolled in the UK's largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three times your salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave - Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your newborn or support your family during critical life events.
• Brilliant perks - Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
• Learn and grow - We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.
• A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognise three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

At Manchester City Council, we're dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

Support During the Process

• Interview Adjustments - Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
• Accessible Formats - Our reciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text to speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

• Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
• Current or former care leavers
• Have a disability or long term condition
• If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programme

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirement for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria above.

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the Supporting Statement section of your application.

When You Join Us

We're a Disability Confident Employer, offering:

• A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
• A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability friendly.

Contact

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email .

Requirements for Successful Candidates

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy.

Pre Employment Checks

• Proof of Right to Work - You will need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK. Please note visa sponsorship is not guaranteed for this role.
• References - We'll require references from your current and previous employer(s).
• Proof of Qualifications - Evidence of qualifications relevant to the role will be required.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check - A criminal record check may be necessary, depending on the role.
• Driving Licence - If the role requires driving, we'll need evidence of your valid driving licence.

Other Relevant Information

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we'll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.

Additional Information

For more information about the role, please ensure that you read the role profile attached.

Calculate Your Take Home Pay

Use this service to estimate how much Income Tax and National Insurance you should pay for the current tax year.

Privacy Notice

Privacy Notice