Project Manager (SEND School Commissioning & Development)

The Society of Heads; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Society of Heads is seeking an experienced Project Manager to supervise commissioning and development of a new SEND school in Ipswich. You will lead the project from early planning through to operational mobilisation, ensuring the school opens safely and fully prepared for learners.

Reporting to the Vice Principal (Pastoral), you will coordinate design, planning, regulatory submissions, risk management and pre-opening readiness, working closely with Local Authorities, contractors and senior

Responsibilities

• Lead commissioning and development of a new SEND school from planning to opening.
• Coordinate design, planning, regulatory submissions, risk management and pre-opening readiness.
• Develop and maintain project plans, budgets, timelines and progress reports.
• Ensure compliance with SEND Code of Practice and safeguarding requirements.
• Work with Local Authorities and contractors and senior stakeholders.

Job description

Project Manager (SEND School Commissioning & Development)

Competitive salary | Fixed term | Ipswich

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and highly organized Project Manager to support commissioning and development of a new Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) school.

You will lead the project from early planning through to operational mobilisation, ensuring the school opens safely, compliantly and fully prepared for learners. This is a key role for a senior professional with proven experience in education, SEND, children’s services, or complex public sector project delivery.

Reporting to the Vice Principal (Pastoral), you will coordinate multiple workstreams including design, planning, regulatory submissions, risk management and pre-opening readiness. You will work closely with contractors, Local Authorities and internal stakeholders to ensure effective delivery across all phases of the project.

You will develop and maintain detailed project plans, budgets, timelines, risk logs and progress reports, ensuring compliance with the SEND Code of Practice, safeguarding requirements and Ofsted expectations. The role also includes supporting the development of operational systems, staffing models, policies, recruitment and induction activity ahead of opening.

The successful candidate will bring strong project management skills, excellent communication and the ability to work confidently with senior stakeholders and multi-agency partners. A commitment to inclusive, child-centred practice is essential.

You will be resilient, proactive and solutions-focused, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines while maintaining high standards.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post is subject to enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references.

Why join us?

This is a genuinely unique opportunity to shape a new SEND school and directly influence the quality of provision for children and young people with additional needs. You will be joining a committed and values-driven team with a clear moral purpose and a strong focus on inclusion, safeguarding and educational excellence.

You will have a high degree of autonomy and professional trust, working at the heart of a significant commissioning and development programme with real visibility at senior leadership level. The role offers the chance to see tangible impact from your work, from early design decisions through to the moment the school opens its doors.

We are committed to building a supportive, collaborative culture where expertise is valued and professional contribution is recognised. This is an opportunity to take on a meaningful leadership role in a project that will make a lasting difference to families and communities.

The closing date is 9.00am on Tuesday 1 September 2026.

The College reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage of the process.

St Joseph’s College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

The successful applicant will be required to undertake child protection screening appropriate to the post, including an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

References will be taken up and will be carefully checked. DBS charge payable by applicant.