Service Director: Education

Somerset Council; West of England; On-site; GBP 78,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking an experienced education leader to drive strategic planning and system-wide improvement across Somerset's schools, trusts, and partners. You will champion high standards, equity of access, and SEND Reform delivery while building a culture of ambitious outcomes.

With a track record in day-to-day delivery and long-term transformation, you will lead cross-sector collaboration, manage resources, and sustain strong financial performance amid complex challenges.

Job description

ONE TEAM. ONE GOAL.

Every child and young person in Somerset deserves the best possible education, wherever they live and whatever support they need to help them thrive.

We know we can only achieve this by working together. Somerset is a large county with long-standing structural challenges, so the scale of the job is significant. This role is perfect for someone with wide experience, comprehensive whole-system knowledge and an inclusive vision of education, who can continue and accelerate the improvement journey we've started.

You'll lead our key education strategies and make sure services keep improving across the county. Working closely with colleagues across the council, as well as schools, trusts, academies, colleges, and other partners, you'll help build a culture of aspiration across Somerset, improve consistency and support higher standards and attainment. You'll also lead the delivery of our SEND Reform plan, bringing fresh thinking, anticipating challenges, encouraging innovation and providing the positive challenge needed to achieve better services and outcomes for Somerset's communities.

You'll bring proven strengths in both day-to-day delivery and long-term transformation, championing quality, innovation and partnership within and beyond the Council. Your track record will include setting and delivering high standards and working effectively through partnerships. You'll also need a nuanced understanding of commissioning, sound commercial judgement and the ability to sustain strong financial performance. An engaging and inclusive leader, you'll bring people together around a shared commitment to high-quality provision, with the optimism and resilience to address complex issues and secure successful outcomes.

To find out more, please visit www.faerfield.co.uk/somerset. If you'd prefer an informal conversation, please call Dawn Faulkner or Rob Naylor at Faerfield on 0121 312 3755.