Assistant Director - Education

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 83,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Solihull is seeking an experienced Assistant Director – Education to oversee key services and improve outcomes for children, particularly those with additional needs. The ideal candidate will have substantial leadership experience in education and the ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders. This role offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Generous annual leave

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Family and carer friendly policies

Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee benefits including discounts

Qualifications

• Experience working in a senior school leadership post, focusing on education Inclusion and SEND.
• Proven experience in improving outcomes for children, particularly in SEND.
• Ability to navigate a political environment and establish relationships with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee management and performance of key education services.
• Lead the development of strategic improvement plans.
• Collaborate with partners to enhance outcomes for children and young people.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Problem solving

Education

Relevant degree or membership of a professional institute

Job description

Overview

Assistant Director – Education – Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

Competitive Salary up to £98,204 depending upon experience

Are you an experienced strategic leader in Education?

This is an incredibly exciting time to be joining Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council as we continue to progress our improvement journey through innovation and positive change. We are committed to being ambitious in the way that we will work with children, young people, their families, and carers in a restorative way.

We are investing in our services and people and putting additional resources in place to ensure the best possible outcomes for our children and young people with additional needs, including SEND.

We are looking for an experienced and ambitious senior leader, who is a specialist within Education, to join us as Assistant Director of Education, to continue to improve, develop and lead our services and give our children and families the support and provision they need and deserve.

Reporting to the Director of Children’s Services, you will lead the vision and values we uphold to ensure that Solihull is a place where every child and young person has a great chance to succeed and achieve their full potential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee management, quality delivery and performance of key services including Education Outcomes and Intervention, Commissioning for Learning, SEND Services, and Education Inclusion, working closely with our partners and stakeholders.
• Lead the development of strategic plans that drive continuous improvement in a context of changing policy, legislation and practice.
• Provide leadership and expertise to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of the above services.
• Collaborate with partners to deliver improved outcomes for children and young people, with a focus on SEND outcomes.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or membership of an appropriate professional institute or substantial relevant equivalent experience.
• Experience working in a senior school leadership post, working in education Inclusion and SEND.
• Substantial and proven experience in improving outcomes, with a particular focus on SEND outcomes, for children and young people.
• Effective leadership and management experience across a range of services for people and with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively within a multiple accountability environment and, in particular, a political environment, establishing a positive relationship with partners, Councillors, MPs and Ministers.
• Very strong communication, influencing, negotiation and problem solving skills.

Benefits

• Flexible working, and agile working arrangements.
• Generous annual leave entitlements with opportunity to buy up to 10-days additional leave per year.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme – a 24 hour independent, free and confidential advice and support service.
• Family and carer friendly policies.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Employee benefits including staff discounts, subsidised travel passes and Cycle 2 Work Scheme.

To apply, please click on the link below. If you have a specific question regarding this post, please contact:

Rasheed Pendry, Director Children’s Services - 0121 704 6187 / [e-mail]

Closing Date: 28 September 2025

Interviews will be held week commencing 13 October 2025.

Candidates will be required to complete online Psychometric assessments prior to the interview as part of the recruitment process.

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check.

An online search will be carried out for all shortlisted candidates.

This is an essential car user post as the demands of the job make it operationally essential and there is a contractual requirement to make a suitable vehicle available to ensure the requirements of the job can be carried out effectively.

Applicants must be able to drive, have a driving licence and be a car owner/have access to a suitable vehicle, however for disabled applicants, reasonable adjustments will be made where required.

This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers.

Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.

Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Attached documents
Job Description & Person Specification