Regional director (Childcare)

Located in Blackburn or Manchester City (Hybrid benefits)

Talent Flow Partnersis pleased to be working with a respected law firm to recruit aRegional Director for Child Careto join their team in either Manchester or Blackburn. This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior childcare solicitor ready to lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact in children’s law.

Overview of the Role

AsRegional Director, you will lead the Child Care Department across the region, providing strategic direction, overseeing a wide range of childcare cases, and ensuring legal excellence. This role involves both leadership and active case management, including mentoring junior team members, representing clients in complex legal matters, and building strong relationships with stakeholders.

Key ResponsibilitiesDepartmental Leadership

• Lead and manage the Child Care Department, ensuring consistent legal standards and professional ethics.

• Develop and implement strategic plans aligned with the firm’s broader goals.

• Serve as a primary client contact, offering expert legal advice and representation.

• Prepare and maintain regional business plans, including financial targets and budget planning.

• Collaborate across departments and the wider firm to drive performance and service delivery.

Case Management & Legal Practice

• Oversee and manage complex caseloads, including:

  • Public law (care proceedings, EPOs, adoption)

  • Private law (child arrangement and guardianship orders)

• Provide tailored legal solutions for families and children.

• Attend and advocate at court hearings, tribunals, and proceedings.

• Stay current with changes in child care law and implement best practices.

Team Management & Development

• Supervise, mentor, and support a team of solicitors and legal staff.

• Conduct regular performance reviews and facilitate professional development.

• Recruit and onboard new staff, promoting a positive team culture.

• Lead knowledge-sharing and internal training initiatives.

Client & Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with:

  • Clients

  • Local authorities

  • Social services

  • CAFCASS and other stakeholders

• Ensure excellent client service and communication, especially in sensitive matters.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with regulatory frameworks, including theSolicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

• Manage legal risks and uphold safeguarding policies.

• Conduct regular audits of legal files and casework.

Business Development

• Identify and pursue new opportunities to grow the childcare law department.

• Represent the firm at industry events and through thought leadership contributions.

• Collaborate with the marketing team to promote the firm’s expertise in children’s law.

Job Challenges

• Working to ambitious deadlines and caseload targets.

• Collaborating effectively with internal and external partners.

• Operating independently with strong initiative and leadership.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with10+ years PQEin childcare law.

• Children Law Accreditation (Law Society Child Panel Member).

• Experience working with or for local authorities in child protection matters.

• Strong professional networks in childcare and related sectors.

• Significant experience in team leadership within a legal environment.

• Proven courtroom advocacy and public law experience.

• Excellent understanding of children and family law legislation.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior staff and lead with vision.

• Strategic mindset with business development experience.

• Calm decision-making under pressure, with empathy and professionalism.

Benefits & Package

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience and qualifications)

• 26 days annual leave + birthday leave + bank holidays

• Company pension scheme

• Medicash Health Plan

• Flexible working hours (hybrid model available)

• Bonus scheme

• Regular social events and team activities

• Support forinternal progressionandexternal training