Head of CYPE – Home finding, Placement, Brokerage and Commissioning

Croydon Council is seeking a Head of CYPE to oversee children's placement, brokerage, and market management services. The role, reporting to the Director of Children’s Services, requires a candidate with extensive knowledge of children’s services and relevant legislation, strong leadership skills, and experience in managing large budgets. The successful applicant will ensure the commissioning of high-quality, cost-effective placements and will play a pivotal role in the departmental leadership team. The position offers a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and promotes flexible working arrangements. Applications are welcome from all community sections, with a commitment to inclusivity and safeguarding.

Head of CYPE – Home finding, Placement, Brokerage and Commissioning

Salary: CSRB £91,975 – £97,679

Permanent: 36 hours per week

About the role

L.B. Croydon has a new and exciting opportunity for the right candidate to join our leadership team as Head of CYPE commercial, operational placements, brokerage & market management. Reporting directly to the Director of Children’s Services, you will lead and manage children’s placement and brokerage service, developing excellent micro-commissioning and ensuring the provision of high-quality services at the appropriate cost. 

You will be accountable for the oversight of effective, value for money, commissioning of safe and stable placements and packages of care across children’s services, and high cost SEND placements. You will be able to develop excellent relationships both internally and externally, bring tight financial control on commissioned spend within this area and play a key role in the departmental leadership team.

About You:

• Knowledge of children’s services, including the relevant policy and legislation related to the commissioning of Home finding and placement brokerage.
• Registered with Social Work England.
• Experience of working in a senior position in social work settings.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to drive improvement, innovation and transformation.
• Significant experience of working in public sector partnership settings delivering tangible improvements to service outcomes.
• Experience of managing large budgets and delivering efficiencies and savings.
• Experience of working within a politically driven organisation operating at a senior level with elected or board members.
• Track record of successfully identifying and managing financial and delivery risks to project, programme or service delivery.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas, concepts, issues and financial information clearly and simply both verbally and in writing.

Benefits

You will be valued for your skills and expertise, supported by the team of experienced professionals, as well as the management at Croydon Council, one of the largest employers in the borough.

We also offer:

• Highly competitive compensation package
• Accredited Systemic Practice training
• A range of CPD opportunities
• 29-31 days (grade equivalent) annual leave in addition to Bank Holidays and option to purchase more
• A pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 20%
• Continuing Professional Development – genuine opportunities to grow, develop and specialise in your career
• Management development programmes
• Investment into your wellbeing
• Access to Employee Discount scheme with a range of programmes (Cycle Benefit Scheme, Retail Discounts and more)

We promote flexible & hybrid working arrangements where possible to support a healthy work-life balance.

Closing date: 15th August 2025 @ 11.59pm.

Disclaimer

Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.

Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The Successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check which allows them to work with children.