Advertised from 26 June 2026

Role

Benefits:

• Over 7 weeks inclusive paid leave and the option to buy or sell leave 
• Excellent training and the opportunity to undertake professional training for some roles
• Flexible maternity, paternity and adoption packages 
• Up to 7% employer contribution and life assurance cover 
• Blue Light Card eligibility with discounts at 15,000 national retailers

At Action for Children, we offer more than just a job. Join us and you’ll be part of a team dedicated to giving children safe and happy childhoods. See how your skills can make a real difference, helping solve the problems children and young people face every day.

A bit about the role

We’re seeking a skilled and reflective Children’s Services Manager to lead a diverse range of services across Elgin and Buckie. This is a significant leadership role with responsibility for two children’s homes and community based services.

You’ll provide strategic and operational leadership, ensure services remain financially sustainable, and support high‑quality, evidence‑informed practice. You’ll also play a key role in shaping service development, strengthening partnership working, and ensuring that children and families receive consistent, impactful support.

This role is well‑suited to someone committed to improving outcomes, skilled in leading multidisciplinary teams, and dedicated to delivering services that place children and families at the centre. The work is varied and meaningful, offering the opportunity to make a lasting difference in a community where your leadership will have real impact.

About the Service

Action for Children works in partnership with Moray Council to provide Residential Care of Children alongside community based services.

What you do could make a difference

Some key responsibilities of our Children’s Services Manager are; 

• Championing the highest standards of safeguarding practice by leading and managing safeguarding processes and advocating effectively for children, young people and families.
• Providing strategic leadership to shape, strengthen and expand services across Moray.
• Building and sustaining strong partnership networks that enhance collaboration and improve outcomes.
• Recruiting, supporting and developing diverse teams of social care and support staff to deliver consistently high‑quality services.

About You

• A relevant professional qualification, supported by a leadership or management qualification, or equivalent experience demonstrating the ability to lead complex services.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development that enhances practice and leadership.
• Proven experience in managing and delivering commissioned services, including collaboration with health, social care and multi‑agency partners.
• Substantial experience in developing and overseeing operational services for children, young people and families.
• Strong experience in leading and developing social care and support teams.
• Extensive experience embedding effective safeguarding practice.

Why Action for Children?

Every child should have a loving home, food, warmth, the chance to grow and learn, and the support to cope with life’s challenges. By bringing your skills and experience, you’ll help us make that a reality.

Will you join us?

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates who are currently under-represented in our services. 

Contact: If you have any further questions, you can contact Laura McCarthy at recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk quoting reference 13239.

Right to Work

You must already have the right to work in the UK, as we are not able to provide visa sponsorship for this role

Application notes

For further information and to apply, please visit our website.