Service Manager (Interim)

i-Jobs; Easthampstead; On-site; GBP 83,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

Bracknell Forest Borough Council is seeking an interim Service Manager to lead the statutory SEND service. You will provide strategic and operational leadership during maternity cover, ensuring compliance with SEND legislation and readiness for inspections.

The role focuses on service improvement, performance management and strong partnership work across council teams and partner organisations. Based in Bracknell, the role requires 37 hours per week, with a start ASAP and a contract ending 11

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a statutory SEND service.
• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and statutory requirements.
• Experience in leadership roles within a local authority.
• Track record in service improvement and development.
• Experience with performance management and inspection readiness (Ofsted/CQC).
• Demonstrated leadership and partnership-working skills.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

SEND knowledge

Performance management

Inspection readiness

Strategic thinking

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 required 1 2 days per week.
• Candidates should be available to start as soon as possible.
• The selection process will involve CV review and interview.
• The expected dress code is smart casual.