Service Manager - SEND

The pay range for this role will be £60,357 – £67,381 (pro rata for part time colleagues).

We’re looking forward to welcoming new colleagues under this refreshed framework of pay, terms, and conditions. To promote fairness and consistency, all new starters will begin at the bottom of the pay band. This reflects our commitment to equity across the organisation and aligns with the approach taken with existing staff during the transition. While the starting salary is fixed, the role offers excellent scope for growth, meaningful contribution, and being part of a forward‑thinking team.

You can also find out more about the new terms and conditions that we are introducing on our careers site on, 'More than just a job' brochure.

Make a real difference – lead the way in improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

Are you passionate about transforming lives and shaping services for vulnerable children?

As SEND Service Manager, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high‑quality, person‑centred services for children and young people with additional needs. Working closely with the Head of SEND, you will ensure compliance with statutory regulations, and drive continuous improvement across the SEND service.

This is a strategic leadership role with responsibility for quality assurance, finance, staffing, placements, systems, and IT. You will build strong partnerships with agencies, oversee recruitment and development, and ensure fair allocation of resources. Your work will directly contribute to delivering effective Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and improving outcomes for children and families.

• Lead the delivery of SEND and intervention services aligned with council priorities.
• Monitor performance against national and local KPIs, identifying areas for improvement.
• Manage budgets, staffing, and resources efficiently across multiple localities.
• Drive service development through multi‑agency collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure compliance with SEND legislation, statutory guidance, and safeguarding standards.
• Oversee recruitment, induction, and professional development for SEND teams.
• Implement quality assurance processes and lead audits to improve EHCP quality and impact.
• Contribute to commissioning activity and develop cost‑effective approaches to service delivery.

• Degree in a relevant subject or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills, and proven experience in the related service area.
• Professional qualification, chartered status or equivalent experience.
• Substantial knowledge of the public sector with deep specialist knowledge in a particular service or professional area.
• Excellent understanding of Directorate objectives, as well as of Corporate Plan and Community Strategy.
• Knowledge of national and regional policy and legislation relevant to the public sector and to the service or professional area.
• Subject matter expert in professional field.
• Experience of leading a professional team in a senior level role.
• Experience of leading large and complex projects and programmes that have an impact across the Council.
• Experience of working in multi‑agency service environments.
• Ability to lead, manage and develop a team to deliver a service or programme, and to manage collaborative services and joint working.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence a wide range of stakeholders, partners, and senior colleagues.
• Proven financial management skills and commercial acumen.

• Ability to travel across localities (valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle or alternative transport).
• Enhanced DBS check.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence and improve services for children and young people with additional needs. You’ll work in a supportive environment that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.

Apply today and help us make a lasting difference.

For an information discussion please contact jean

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

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