Head of Child Care - #2178294

An opportunity to lead, develop and make a difference

At Taylor Emmet, we believe that exceptional legal services begin with exceptional people.

We are an award-winning, forward-thinking law firm with ambitious plans for continued growth. Built on trust, expertise and innovation, we are committed to delivering outstanding legal advice while creating an environment where talented individuals can thrive, develop and achieve their ambitions.

We are seeking an experienced, commercially astute and inspirational Head of Child Care to lead and develop our established Child Care Department.

This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished Child Care solicitor who combines technical excellence with strong leadership skills, commercial awareness and a genuine passion for developing people.

We are looking for someone who will not simply manage a department, but who will take ownership of its future, inspire those around them and play an influential role in the continued success of Taylor Emmet.

The Opportunity

As Head of Child Care, you will take overall responsibility for the leadership, strategic direction, performance and continued development of the department.

You will lead by example, providing expert legal advice, maintaining the highest professional standards and creating a positive, collaborative and high-performing team environment.

Working closely with the firm's senior leadership, you will contribute to the wider business strategy, identify opportunities for growth and ensure the department delivers excellent outcomes for clients, our people and the firm.

We want a leader who is ambitious for themselves, their team and Taylor Emmet. Someone who recognises that successful leadership is about more than individual performance; it is about empowering others, building capability and creating a department in which people feel supported, motivated and proud of what they achieve.

Your Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Departmental Development

• Lead, manage and develop the Child Care Department, establishing a clear vision and direction aligned with Taylor Emmet's strategic objectives.
• Take ownership of the department's business plan, financial performance, operational effectiveness and sustainable growth.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to strengthen the department's market position, reputation and client offering.
• Contribute to the firm's wider leadership agenda, working collaboratively with other Heads of Department and senior colleagues.
• Drive continuous improvement, embracing innovation, technology and more effective ways of working.

People Leadership and Talent Development

• Inspire, motivate and develop a talented team of legal professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and excellence.
• Create an environment in which individuals feel valued, supported and empowered to perform at their best.
• Recognise potential, nurture talent and actively support professional development, career progression and succession planning.
• Set clear expectations, provide constructive feedback and support individuals in achieving their personal and professional objectives.
• Lead by example, demonstrating the behaviours, standards and values expected across Taylor Emmet.
• Promote a positive, inclusive and engaging working environment where people are encouraged to contribute ideas and take ownership of their development.

Commercial and Operational Performance

• Take responsibility for the department's financial performance, including fee income, profitability, productivity, work allocation and effective resource management.
• Ensure that departmental objectives, budgets and performance expectations are clearly understood and delivered.
• Maintain appropriate oversight of caseloads, capacity, supervision and service delivery.
• Balance commercial performance with exceptional client care, professional responsibilities and the wellbeing of the team.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, strengthen financial performance and support sustainable growth.

Technical Excellence and Client Care

• Provide expert legal advice and representation across a range of complex Child Care matters.
• Maintain an appropriate personal caseload while providing effective supervision, guidance and technical support to the wider team.
• Ensure consistently high standards of legal advice, case management, client care and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, counsel, guardians, external agencies and other key stakeholders.
• Promote a client-focused approach, recognising the sensitive, challenging and often life-changing nature of Child Care proceedings.

Why Taylor Emmet?

At Taylor Emmet, we recognise that our success is built on the talent, commitment and contribution of our people.

Our culture is underpinned by four core values:

• Community – Building meaningful relationships and making a positive difference.
• Approachability – Creating an open, supportive and collaborative environment.
• Excellence – Taking pride in the quality of our work and continually striving to improve.
• Integrity – Acting with honesty, professionalism and accountability in everything we do.
• Protector - Providing support and protecting futures

We are committed to providing meaningful career opportunities, encouraging professional growth and recognising individuals for their aptitude, ambition and contribution.

Our approach to progression is not defined solely by qualification status or traditional career pathways. We believe that talented individuals who demonstrate the right capabilities, behaviours and commitment should have the opportunity to progress and succeed.

As Head of Child Care, you will have the opportunity to influence the direction of your department, shape its culture, develop future talent and make a genuine contribution to the firm's continued success.