Service Manager (Interim)

i-Jobs; Bracknell; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Bracknell Forest Borough Council is seeking an interim Service Manager to lead the SEND service in Time Square, Bracknell. The role runs 37 hours per week with a 9:00 am–5:00 pm schedule, from ASAP to 11 December 2026.

This post requires strong leadership and strategic oversight to ensure statutory compliance and service improvement. The successful candidate will oversee SEND functions, prepare for inspections and collaborate with council teams and partners to deliver positive outcomes for

Qualifications

• Significant, demonstrable experience leading a statutory SEND service.
• Two+ years in a comparable leadership role within a local authority.
• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and statutory requirements.
• Proven experience managing statutory SEND functions.
• Proven track record of service improvement and development.
• Experience with performance management and inspection readiness (Ofsted/CQC).
• Strong leadership and partnership-working skills.
• Ability to work strategically with operational oversight.

Responsibilities

• Lead the SEND service administratively and strategically.
• Provide leadership and stability during maternity cover.
• Oversee statutory SEND functions and compliance.
• Drive service improvement and development.
• Lead service development, performance management and improvement.
• Ensure readiness for Ofsted and CQC inspections.
• Build relationships across council services and partner organisations.
• Support delivery of high-quality statutory SEND services and outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Partnership working

Performance management

Inspection readiness

Job description

Position:Service Manager (Interim)

Location:Time Square, Bracknell, RG12 1JD

Start Date:ASAP

Contract Duration:21 September 2026 to 11 December 2026

Working Hours:37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Pay Rate:£400.00 per day

Job Reference:(phone number removed)

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the statutory Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) service both operationally and strategically.
• Provide effective leadership and stability during the maternity cover period.
• Oversee statutory SEND functions and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and requirements.
• Drive continuous service improvement and support the ongoing development of the SEND service.
• Lead service development, performance management and improvement activity.
• Ensure the service is prepared for Ofsted and CQC inspections.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships across council teams, services and partner organisations.
• Support the delivery of high-quality statutory SEND services and positive outcomes for children and young people.

Person Specification

Must-Have Requirements

• Significant, demonstrable experience of leading a statutory SEND service.
• At least two years' experience in a comparable leadership role within a local authority.
• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and statutory requirements.
• Proven experience managing statutory SEND functions.
• A strong track record of service improvement and development.
• Experience of performance management and inspection readiness, including Ofsted and CQC.
• Strong leadership and partnership-working skills.
• Ability to work strategically while maintaining effective operational oversight.

Nice-to-Have Requirements

• Experience providing leadership during a period of organisational change or service improvement.
• Experience working across multiple council services and external partner organisations.
• Previous experience delivering SEND improvement programmes within a local authority.

Additional Information

This is an established leadership position within Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

Office attendance is required1-2 days per week.

Candidates should be available to startas soon as possible.

The selection process will involveCV review and interview.

The expected dress code issmart casual