This position is hosted by Durham County Council.
We are seeking an exceptional leader to take on the pivotal role of Delivery Director for the North East Regional Care Co-operative - a new and ambitious partnership bringing together 12 Local Authorities to transform how childrens care is commissioned and delivered.
Reporting to the Chief Executive of the Regional Care Co-operative and forming a key part of the regional leadership team, you will lead the development and delivery of a bold, innovative regional commissioning model. You will play a critical role in establishing a high-performing, sustainable organisation, delivering the North East RCC delivery plan and achieving national expectations and outcomes for children and young people.
This is a unique opportunity to shape a new regional system from the ground up - designing structures, building teams, and embedding new ways of working that deliver a coherent, high-quality and value-driven offer across the region.
You will:
- Lead the design and implementation of a new regional commissioning model for childrens care
- Be accountable for significant budgets, resources and delivery of the regional programme
- Establish strong governance, performance and risk management frameworks
- Foster strong partnerships with Local Authorities, providers and key stakeholders across the region
- Drive innovation, commercial thinking and collaboration to ensure sustainability and improved outcomes
- Represent the North East at national level, building relationships and maximising opportunities for the RCC to be a long term sustainable model
We are looking for an accomplished senior leader with extensive experience in commissioning, within Childrens Services or a related sector. You will bring strong system leadership, commercial acumen and political awareness, with a proven ability to lead complex change, establish new services and deliver results at scale.
You will be a collaborative and values-driven leader, committed to co-production, equality and ensuring the voices of children, young people and families are central to service design and delivery.
This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in shaping a new regional system and delivering lasting impact for children and young people across the North East.
INTERVIEWS
It is expected that interviews will take place early September 2026.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
REMOVAL AND LODGINGS
Removal, lodging and separation expenses may be available to the successful candidate if at the time of application for appointment their place of residence is outside the administrative area of County Durham and more than 30 miles in a straight line from their new administrative centre, along with several other criteria for eligibility.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be made via Penna. For full details and to apply, please visit www.durhamleadership.co.uk, where you can upload your CV and supporting statement directly through the application portal.
Please ensure your personal statement clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria and, where possible, the desirable skills and experience outlined in the person specification. Candidates who do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.
For an informal and confidential discussion, please contact our retained consultant at Penna, Nick Raper on 07715 690463.
Important Information for Members of the Local Government Pension Scheme
HM Revenue and Customs impose controls on the amount of pension savings you can make without having to pay extra tax. These controls are known as the Annual Allowance and Lump Sum Allowance. The Annual Allowance is the amount by which the value of your pension benefits may increase in any one year without you having to pay a tax charge. You are most likely to be affected by the Annual Allowance if you receive a significant pay increase, and/or you are a high earner. Two lump sum limits were also introduced in April 2024. If the value of all lump sums taken from UK pensions is higher than these limits, you will have to pay tax on any excess at your marginal rate.
More information can be found here
If you are successful in your application for this post and wish to find out more about these controls, please contact the Pension Section at
[email protected] 