Service Manager Education

Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council; Knowsley; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking motivated education leaders to join the Education Service in shaping the future of education across the borough. Lead a range of statutory services, including Admissions, Attendance, Governor Support and School Sufficiency, and provide strategic leadership with partners and schools.

This permanent, full-time role offers hybrid working, 36 hours per week, and a chance to influence policy, drive attendance improvement, and deliver high-quality

Qualifications

• Leads statutory education services across Admissions, Attendance, Governor Support and School Sufficiency.
• Drives system-wide attendance improvement and supports positive outcomes for children.
• Works with schools, governors and partners to deliver high-quality services.
• Influences policy and practice across the borough while leading teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a range of statutory education services, including Admissions, Attendance, Governor Support and School Sufficiency.
• Provide leadership across key statutory functions and drive improvements.
• Work closely with schools, governors, elected members and partners to support positive outcomes for children and young people.
• Manage resources and lead high-performing teams to deliver high-quality services.

Skills

Leadership

Management

Relationship-building

Change management

Education sector experience

Job description

We are looking for driven and passionate people to work with us to deliver real benefits for our residents and businesses and become part of the Knowsley Journey

• Location: Nutgrove Villa, Westmorland Road, Huyton , Knowsley , L36 6GA, Hybrid Working
• Contract: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Full Time
• Hours: 36 hours per week. Monday to Friday.
• Closing Date: 01/12/2026 at 23:59
• Reference: CVP 0728

Shape the Future of Education in Knowsley

Education is at the heart of Knowsleys vision for children, young people, families and communities. We are investing in our Education Service and are looking for passionate, ambitious leaders to join us in shaping the future of education across the borough.

Lead a range of statutory education services, including Admissions, Attendance, Governor Support and School Sufficiency. You will provide leadership across key statutory functions, drive system-wide attendance improvement, ensure high-quality service delivery and work closely with schools, governors, elected members and partners to support positive outcomes for children and young people. The role offers an opportunity to influence education policy and practice across the borough while leading high-performing teams and managing significant resources.

About You

We are looking for motivated and experienced professionals who:

• Are passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people and communities.
• Have strong leadership, management and relationship-building skills.
• Can work effectively with schools, education providers and a wide range of partners.
• Have experience of managing change, driving improvement and delivering results.
• Understand the opportunities and challenges facing education, inclusion and learning services.
• Can influence, inspire and bring people together around a shared vision.
• Are committed to innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Why Knowsley?

Knowsley is a borough with ambition. We are committed to ensuring every child, young person and resident has access to high-quality education and learning opportunities that enable them to achieve their potential. Our Education Service works closely with schools, families, communities and partners to make a lasting difference.

In return, you will join a supportive and forward-thinking organisation that values integrity, accountability, communication and respect, where your contribution will help shape services that impact lives every day.

Join Us

If you are looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful difference and be part of a service with a clear vision for education, inclusion and lifelong learning, we would love to hear from you.

Be part of Knowsleys journey to deliver excellence in education and opportunity for all.

For full details of each role and how to apply, please visit:

At Knowsley Council we will consider requests for flexible working. For most roles, the following types of flexibility are usually possible: flexible hours, working from home, compressed hours, part-time. There is a requirement for you to attend your work base at least 3 day's per week.

We welcome applications from residents and beyond, regardless of background, belief, or identity, recognising the value that diversity brings to our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and candidates with disabilities as we acknowledge their underrepresentation in our workforce.

Please note sponsorship is not available for this role.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applicants.

At Knowsley we value our applicants and want them to feel well-informed and welcomed.

If you have any questions about this specific job role or what it is like to work at Knowsley, please contact: Karen Austin Smith at [e-mail] or Tel: [phone]

Interviews to be held 18th December 2026