Senior Project Lead – SEN School Development

Excelcare; Bromley; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Excelcare is seeking a Senior Project Lead to guide the development and delivery of new SEN schools in Southeast England. You will manage planning, design, regulatory submissions and mobilisation to ensure timely, within-scope, high-quality completion.

Reporting to senior stakeholders, you will coordinate architects, contractors and local authorities, develop staffing models and policies, and monitor SEND compliance, safeguarding and Ofsted expectations throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering complex projects in education, SEN, social care or related field
• Strong understanding of SEND legislation, commissioning and regulatory processes
• Excellent organisational and project-management skills
• Confidence working with multi-agency partners and senior stakeholders
• Proactive, solutions-focused approach
• Commitment to inclusive, child-centred practice

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day project management across planning, design, regulatory submissions and mobilisation
• Coordinate feasibility studies, timelines, risk logs and delivery plans
• Work with architects, contractors, local authorities and internal teams
• Support development of operational frameworks, staffing models, policies and systems
• Ensure compliance with SEND Code of Practice, safeguarding and Ofsted
• Prepare project documentation, progress reports and readiness assessments
• Assist recruitment, induction and pre-opening activities
• Ensure each school is delivered on time, within scope and to the required quality standards

Skills

Project management

Education sector

SEND legislation

Stakeholder engagement

Organisational skills

Job description

Senior Project Lead - SEN School Development

Fulltime Permanent, Southeast England

Salary: £65,000 - £72,000 (DOE)

We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Senior Project Lead to support the development and delivery of new Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools, guiding each project from early planning through to operational mobilisation.

The Role

As Senior Project Lead, you will play a key role in the successful development of new SEN schools. You will:

• Lead day‑to‑day project management across planning, design, regulatory submissions, and mobilisation
• Coordinate feasibility studies, timelines, risk logs and delivery plans
• Work closely with architects, contractors, local authorities and internal teams
• Support the development of operational frameworks, staffing models, policies and systems
• Ensure compliance with SEND Code of Practice, safeguarding requirements and Ofsted expectations
• Prepare project documentation, progress reports and readiness assessments
• Support recruitment, induction and pre‑opening activities
• Ensure each school is delivered on time, within scope and to the required quality standards

About You

You will bring:

• Experience delivering complex projects in education, SEN, social care or a related field
• Strong understanding of SEND legislation, commissioning and regulatory processes
• Excellent organisational and project‑management skills
• Confidence working with multi‑agency partners and senior stakeholders
• A proactive, solutions‑focused approach
• A commitment to inclusive, child‑centred practice

Why Join Us

This is a unique opportunity to help shape new SEN provision from the ground up. You will join a forward‑thinking organisation committed to high‑quality, inclusive education and positive outcomes for children and families.