Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!
About the role
We are seeking an experienced group manager to join our senior management team. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of social work practice, supervise staff, and maintain a thorough knowledge of social work practice and specialist knowledge related to the post. The group manager will provide strategic and operational leadership, support the head of service, and ensure continuous improvement of quality and practice across the teams.
Key responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the service area, managing 3–5 direct reports and 3–5 teams.
- Lead on placement strategy, ensuring oversight of regional cooperatives and shaping the market.
- Develop and implement innovative solutions that respond to legislative changes and industry trends.
- Foster strong relationships with accommodation providers to drive service improvement and sustainability.
- Use and analyse performance data effectively to support work with children and families.
- Supervise team managers and support their professional development.
- Embed the Signs of Safety practice framework across the service area.
- Ensure practice improvement and uphold safeguarding and care planning statutory guidance.
Qualifications and experience
- Registered social worker with recent proven management experience.
- Demonstrated experience above team manager level in supervising staff and managing complex operational practice.
- Evidence of strategic thinking and ability to embed strategic objectives into operational practice.
- Technical knowledge of Working Together 2023, Pan London Child Protection Procedures, and other relevant statutory guidance.
- Strong background in service development, planning, and oversight.
- Experience in managing a budget.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop staff.
- Commitment to child‑focused practice and reflective, creative leadership.
What we’re looking for (core values)
- Value the importance of communication and seeking feedback.
- Can inspire and motivate those they work with; manage and lead effectively.
- Commit to developing skills and expertise to deliver an excellent service.
- Professionally curious and value thoughtful decision‑making.
- Work inclusively, collaboratively, recognising others’ strengths.
- Take responsibility, focus on solutions, and are transparent and appreciative.
- Reflect and learn continuously.
Benefits
- Generous leave entitlement.
- Local Government Pension scheme.
- Flexible working and family‑friendly policies.
- Season ticket and bicycle loans.
- Staff discounts, including subsidised gym memberships.
- Supportive staff networks.
Location
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford SE6. Two local train stations are 3–5 minutes’ walk from the office, and the train journey from London Bridge is approximately 15 minutes. Several bus routes also stop near the office.
Special conditions
- The post holder must have a social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.
- The position is subject to a DBS check.
Salary
£64,938 – £69,660 per annum (SMG1)
Creating an inclusive Lewisham
A core value of Lewisham Council is to draw on the diversity of our communities to create a more inclusive Lewisham. We believe that freedom from discrimination and equality of opportunity are fundamental rights, and that each person should be valued regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, or age. Social inclusion lies at the heart of everything we do as a Council in our roles as an employer, a provider of services and a community leader.
Diversity
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants and those with health conditions throughout our recruitment process. We support the Access to Work scheme; further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply.
Contact
For an informal discussion, please contact Steven Chaplin, Head of Service for Care Resources, at Steven.Chaplin@lewisham.gov.uk.
#J-18808-Ljbffr”, “datePosted”: “2026-05-15”, “hiringOrganization”: { “@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “Lewisham Council”, “sameAs”: “https://uk.whatjobs.com/pub_api__cpl__432656043__4861?utm_campaign=publisher&utm_medium=api&utm_source=4861&geoID=33” }, “jobLocation”: { “@type”: “Place”, “address”: { “@type”: “PostalAddress”, “addressLocality”: “London” } } }Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!
About the role
We are seeking an experienced group manager to join our senior management team. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of social work practice, supervise staff, and maintain a thorough knowledge of social work practice and specialist knowledge related to the post. The group manager will provide strategic and operational leadership, support the head of service, and ensure continuous improvement of quality and practice across the teams.
Key responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the service area, managing 3–5 direct reports and 3–5 teams.
- Lead on placement strategy, ensuring oversight of regional cooperatives and shaping the market.
- Develop and implement innovative solutions that respond to legislative changes and industry trends.
- Foster strong relationships with accommodation providers to drive service improvement and sustainability.
- Use and analyse performance data effectively to support work with children and families.
- Supervise team managers and support their professional development.
- Embed the Signs of Safety practice framework across the service area.
- Ensure practice improvement and uphold safeguarding and care planning statutory guidance.
Qualifications and experience
- Registered social worker with recent proven management experience.
- Demonstrated experience above team manager level in supervising staff and managing complex operational practice.
- Evidence of strategic thinking and ability to embed strategic objectives into operational practice.
- Technical knowledge of Working Together 2023, Pan London Child Protection Procedures, and other relevant statutory guidance.
- Strong background in service development, planning, and oversight.
- Experience in managing a budget.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop staff.
- Commitment to child‑focused practice and reflective, creative leadership.
What we’re looking for (core values)
- Value the importance of communication and seeking feedback.
- Can inspire and motivate those they work with; manage and lead effectively.
- Commit to developing skills and expertise to deliver an excellent service.
- Professionally curious and value thoughtful decision‑making.
- Work inclusively, collaboratively, recognising others’ strengths.
- Take responsibility, focus on solutions, and are transparent and appreciative.
- Reflect and learn continuously.
Benefits
- Generous leave entitlement.
- Local Government Pension scheme.
- Flexible working and family‑friendly policies.
- Season ticket and bicycle loans.
- Staff discounts, including subsidised gym memberships.
- Supportive staff networks.
Location
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford SE6. Two local train stations are 3–5 minutes’ walk from the office, and the train journey from London Bridge is approximately 15 minutes. Several bus routes also stop near the office.
Special conditions
- The post holder must have a social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.
- The position is subject to a DBS check.
Salary
£64,938 – £69,660 per annum (SMG1)
Creating an inclusive Lewisham
A core value of Lewisham Council is to draw on the diversity of our communities to create a more inclusive Lewisham. We believe that freedom from discrimination and equality of opportunity are fundamental rights, and that each person should be valued regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, or age. Social inclusion lies at the heart of everything we do as a Council in our roles as an employer, a provider of services and a community leader.
Diversity
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants and those with health conditions throughout our recruitment process. We support the Access to Work scheme; further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply.
Contact
For an informal discussion, please contact Steven Chaplin, Head of Service for Care Resources, at Steven.Chaplin@lewisham.gov.uk.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…