Continuous Improvement Project Manager - SEND, Chelmsford

ZipRecruiter; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Chelmsford is seeking a Continuous Improvement Project Manager to enhance Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services. This role involves managing improvement projects, collaborating with stakeholders, and facilitating workshops to achieve better outcomes for children and families. Ideal candidates should have strong project management experience, familiarity with SEND regulations, and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).
• Mobile across the operational area; driving license preferred.
• Knowledge of SEND regulations and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate workshops to improve SEND processes.
• Manage improvement projects to ensure timely outcomes.
• Track project progress and report findings.

Skills

Project management

Continuous improvement methodologies

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Continuous Improvement Project Manager - SEND (Fixed Term, Full Time). Salary £42,034 to £49,451 per annum. Location: Chelmsford. Working Style: Anywhere worker. This vacancy is available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for up to 2 years.

The Opportunity

The SEND Continuous Improvement Project Manager will manage several projects aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services in Essex. The post holder will be responsible for working with subject matter experts and family representatives to gather and analyse data and lived experience, evaluate existing SEND processes and services, identify areas for improvement and collaboratively develop solutions. The post holder will have a strong background in project management, continuous improvement methodologies, strong facilitation skills. A clear understanding of SEND processes and regulations would be advantageous. The post holder will be passionate about improving outcomes and the experiences of children/ people with SEND and their families. They will have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.

Accountabilities

• Facilitate workshops and meetings, including multi-agency Co-ordination and Oversight Groups (COGs) with a specific remit to improve certain elements of the SEND system
• Manage improvement projects to ensure they deliver the desired outcomes on time and to sufficient standards
• Contribute to long term SEND strategic project and programme plans
• Track the progress of improvement projects, analyse impact data, and report findings to senior management
• Devise and oversee the delivery of change management plans to ensure improved processes and solutions are embedded as intended
• Provide regular communications to the wider workforce
• Support the research and evaluation of best practices, emerging approaches and policy around SEND to inform ECC strategy and plans
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop SEND services
• Support the preparation for Ofsted/CQC inspection

Experience and Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in a relevant field or equivalent by experience, and significant experience in continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma) and project management or change management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of SEND regulations and best practices
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Ability to be mobile across an operational area; driving licence and access to a vehicle, or ability to meet mobility requirements by other means

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. The county covers over 1,420 square miles and serves 1.8 million residents. Flexible working options and a focus on innovation. In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government's devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026.

Additional information

Essex County Council is proud to be a Confident Leader and is committed to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the job. Veterans and care leavers are also considered. DBS checks may be required; if so, you will need to register with the DBS update service (annual subscription). For queries, please email [e-mail]. You can also follow ECC on social media.