SEND Improvement Service Manager

Wakefield Council; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Wakefield is seeking a Service Manager - SEND Improvement to lead comprehensive SEND transformation. The position requires strong leadership and expertise in SEND practices. The successful candidate will collaborate with partners to ensure effective operational planning and strategic delivery for SEND improvements. Ready to create a future-ready SEND system? We want to hear from you!

Qualifications

• Experience in leading SEND improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of operational planning and strategic delivery.
• Commitment to inclusive practices in education.

Responsibilities

• Lead the SEND transformation priorities in Wakefield.
• Coordinate external sector-led improvement support.
• Work with partners to ensure an inclusive SEND system.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Strategic delivery

Inclusive practice

SEND improvement

Job description

Overview

We\'re seeking a strategic, collaborative, and impact-driven leader to take on the new role of Service Manager - SEND Improvement (Grade 15). This is a key senior position within the Education Strategy and Performance Service, offering the opportunity to shape and deliver SEND improvement work both within Wakefield and across the Yorkshire and Humber region, and nationally.

This is a broad and high-impact role spanning several key statutory and strategic services across education and inclusion. The role will be responsible for leading Wakefield\'s internal SEND transformation priorities—including commissioning reform, sufficiency planning, and quality assurance—as well as coordinating external sector-led improvement support to other Local Authorities.

You will be responsible for operational planning, strategic delivery, and the deployment of expert support teams across multiple workstreams. You\'ll work closely with education, health, care, and VCSE partners, as well as regional and national stakeholders including the DfE, to ensure Wakefield\'s SEND system is inclusive, responsive, and future-ready.

This is a role for someone who thrives on collaboration, transformation, and system leadership. Your first priority will be to embed the Local Inclusion Support Offer (LISO), strengthen commissioning and QA practices, and lead delivery of regional SEND support programmes.

You\'ll bring strong leadership, a deep understanding of SEND improvement, and a commitment to inclusive practice.

If you\'re ready to lead with purpose, drive change, and help us build a more inclusive and ambitious future for Wakefield\'s children and young people, we\'d love to hear from you.

Want to Know More?

If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council feel free to contact Jacqui Dundas.

Tel: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.