Principal Occupational Therapist

Job Introduction

We’re seeking a dedicated Principal Occupational Therapist to lead and develop our service and make a real difference to the lives of others. You’ll be at the heart of shaping how the Occupational Therapy team support independence and wellbeing across Milton Keynes, driving transformation and championing best practice. You’ll influence strategic direction and create innovative ways of working that improve lives. You’ll lead service redesign, set good standards and ensure our approach reflects the very best in Occupational Therapy. From developing workforce plans and mentoring future talent to managing budgets and engaging with national forums, your impact will be felt across the city. If you want a role where you can combine leadership with hands-on expertise, where your decisions shape policy and practice, and where you help deliver high-quality outcomes for local people, this is the role for you. This is a site-based role. Interviews for this role will be held on the 3 February. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is a modern and friendly place to work. Find out more about working with us here: www.mkcounciljobs.org.uk

Main Responsibility

• Provide inspiring leadership and guide a team of Occupational Therapists.
• Lead service redesign and organisational change to meet objectives.
• Develop and implement Occupational Therapy Quality Standards and Assurance Framework.
• Create a workforce strategy to attract, retain and develop talent.
• Promote continuous professional development and innovative learning approaches.
• Manage budgets and ensure financial targets are met.
• Represent Occupational Therapy locally and nationally, influencing policy and practice.

The Ideal Candidate

• Professional Occupational Therapy qualification and registration with Social Work England.
• Extensive post-qualifying experience, including at least two years in senior management.
• Expert knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act, and safeguarding practice.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.

Package Description

In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including: Great holiday benefits – most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. Holiday purchase scheme. Excellent pension – Local Government Pension Scheme. Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and childcare subsidy. Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme. Salary sacrifice car scheme for electric and low emission vehicles. Blue Light Card. Why join us? Discover more at Working at the Council | Milton Keynes. Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. This role is site based with up to two days working from home.

About The Organisation

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people. We provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important services. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to anti-racist workplaces through the Social Care Workforce Race Equality Standard.

Additional Information

Job Reference: mkc/TP/237/1899. Contract Type: Permanent. Working Hours: 37. Closing Date: 25 January, 2026. Location: Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, Central Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom. Posted on: 6 January, 2026. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] copyright © 2026.