Head of Service - Operations

Head of Service – Adult Social Care Operations | East Sussex County Council

Position: Head of Service
Team: Adult Social Care & Health – Operations
Contract: 6 months (Interim)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Pay Rate: £500–£550 per day (negotiable up to £600 for exceptional candidates)
Location: County Hall, Lewes (with oversight of services in Eastbourne and Hastings)
Working Pattern: On-site 1 day per week minimum, remainder remote

Contact: Emily Cooper – 07745200325 | ecooper@sheldon-phillips.com
 

Sheldon Phillips are working with East Sussex County Council to find an experienced interim Head of Service to lead their Adult Social Care and Health – Operations division. This is a key strategic role overseeing services across multiple sites, offering strong leadership across an evolving landscape. The successful candidate will bring exceptional legal literacy, a strategic mindset, and a track record of change management.

What You Can Expect:

• Key strategic leadership role within a well-structured and ambitious council

• Primary base in Lewes with teams located in Eastbourne and Hastings

• One day per week office-based minimum, with flexibility around meetings

• Collaborative, forward-thinking senior leadership team

• Stable 6-month interim assignment with potential for extension
   

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership to adult social care operations across East Sussex

• Drive service improvements through effective change management and performance planning

• Collaborate with senior stakeholders, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance across services

• Lead on transformation initiatives and workforce development

• Monitor and manage service budgets and operational effectiveness

• Support integration of services across health and social care
   

Requirements:

• Enhanced DBS

• Strong legal literacy and policy understanding within Adult Social Care

• Proven experience in strategic leadership and operational delivery

• Demonstrable success in leading change within large public sector organisations

• High-level communication, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making skills

• Ability to travel across sites in Lewes, Eastbourne, and Hastings when required
   

If you’re ready to take on a high-impact leadership position and shape adult social care delivery in East Sussex, we’d love to hear from you.
 

Contact: Emily Cooper – 07745200325 | ecooper@sheldon-phillips.com