Assistant Director – Education, SEND and Inclusion

North Northamptonshire Council; Corby; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in England seeks a strategic leader in Education and SEND to enhance outcomes for children and young people. This pivotal role involves overseeing a diverse portfolio, driving improvement initiatives, managing budgets, and fostering partnerships. The ideal candidate will have substantial leadership experience and a strong vision for inclusion and education excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven record of driving improvement in Education or SEND.
• Strong understanding of national education and SEND legislation and policy.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across Education, SEND, and Inclusion.
• Lead transformation and improvement programmes to enhance outcomes for children.
• Manage significant budgets and resources for service efficiency.

Job description

At North Northamptonshire Council, we’re building something special. Here, collaboration fuels innovation, ambition drives improvement, and every decision puts children and families first. Grounded in kindness, compassion, and care, we’re shaping services that make a genuine difference. Reporting to the Executive Director of Children’s Services, we’re seeking an exceptional leader to help shape the future.

As a key member of the Children’s Services Leadership Team, you will lead a diverse portfolio that includes Education Effectiveness, SEND Services, Inclusion, Early Years, Education Sufficiency, Admissions, Educational Psychology and Governor Development.

You’ll be the council’s lead professional for Education, SEND and Inclusion, steering a high-performing system that delivers for all learners, particularly our most vulnerable. You’ll champion inclusion, influence national and regional partners, and ensure our services are ambitious, innovative, and sustainable.

What You’ll Do

In this pivotal role, you will provide strategic leadership and direction across all areas of Education, SEND and Inclusion, working in partnership with elected Members, schools, partners and families to deliver shared priorities and improved outcomes. You will lead transformation and improvement programmes that make a tangible difference to the lives of children and young people, ensuring that every aspect of our service reflects our commitment to excellence and inclusion.

You will oversee performance and inspection readiness, embedding a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Through strong partnership working, you will build and maintain effective relationships with local communities, education providers and national bodies to promote high standards and inclusive practice across the system.

Managing significant budgets and resources, you will ensure services are efficient, effective and sustainable - balancing innovation with robust governance. Your leadership will inspire teams to deliver exceptional outcomes and make North Northamptonshire a place where every child can thrive.

About You

You’ll be a dynamic, strategic leader with deep experience in Education, SEND or Inclusion within a large, complex organisation. You have a proven record of driving improvement, managing change, and delivering better outcomes through partnership, innovation, and co-production. You’ll bring:

• A relevant degree or equivalent qualification.
• Significant strategic leadership experience within Education or SEND.
• Strong understanding of national education and SEND legislation and policy.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• A track record of driving improvement, managing complex budgets, and leading successful teams.

Above all, you’ll be driven by a shared vision: to ensure every child and young person in North Northamptonshire thrives and reaches their full potential.

Please note this role requires the ability to drive and use of a vehicle, as this role requires travel.

To find out more and to apply, visit www.brighterfuturennc.com or, for a confidential conversation, call Zee Rasool (07551 392696) or Anita Denton (07725 554802) at Tile Hill.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 30th November 2025