SEND Reform Project Manager

Civic Recruitment Limited; Taunton (MA); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3-month rolling contract

Hybrid (2 days on-site / 3 days remote

Exposure to senior stakeholders across

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking a seasoned Interim Project Manager to lead Somerset's SEND Reform Programme, coordinating with education providers, NHS partners, and local councils to implement the Experts at Hand Locality Model.

The role combines on-site and remote collaboration under a rolling 3-month contract with emphasis on governance, stakeholder engagement, and timely delivery of key reform priorities.

Qualifications

• Proven track record delivering complex public sector programmes.
• Experience across education, health and local government partners.
• Strong governance, reporting, risk management capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Experience with recruitment, commissioning and procurement activities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee initiation and execution of SEND Reform projects.
• Propel the implementation of the Experts at Hand (EAH) Locality Delivery Model.
• Formulate and manage project plans, milestones, risks, dependencies, and reporting.
• Ensure robust programme governance and reporting structures are established.
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with schools, NHS partners, and SEND stakeholders.
• Coordinate communications, engagement, evaluation and performance reporting.
• Assist in recruitment activities related to programme delivery.
• Handle procurement, commissioning and contract management tasks.
• Collaborate with SEND Reform Partnership Board and key delivery partners.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Multi-agency collaboration

Programme governance

Risk & dependency management

Recruitment & procurement

Communication

Public sector experience

Job description

Taunton, United Kingdom | Posted on 01/09/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation.  That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.
In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.
Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

Interim Project Manager – SEND Reform (3-Month Rolling Contract)

Location: The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY

Contract: 3-Month Rolling Contract

Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2 Days On-Site / 3 Days Remote

Additional Requirement: Participation in workshops, stakeholder events, and partnership meetings as needed

Summary

We are seeking a seasoned Interim Project Manager to spearhead the delivery of Somerset's ambitious SEND Reform Programme. This pivotal role involves driving the implementation of the Experts at Hand (EAH) Locality Model across educational settings and supporting the broader SEND Improvement Programme for children and young people aged 0-25. The position requires collaboration with a diverse multi-agency partnership, engaging with education providers, Council services, NHS partners, Parent Carers, and young people to ensure the successful achievement of key SEND reform priorities and programme goals.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the initiation and execution of SEND Reform projects throughout Somerset.
  
• Propel the implementation of the Experts at Hand (EAH) Locality Delivery Model.
  
• Formulate and manage project plans, milestones, risks, dependencies, and reporting systems.
  
• Ensure robust programme governance and reporting structures are established.
  
• Cultivate and sustain strong relationships with schools, educational settings, NHS partners, and SEND stakeholders.
  
• Coordinate programme communications, engagement activities, evaluation, and performance reporting.
  
• Assist in recruitment activities related to programme delivery.
  
• Handle procurement, commissioning, and contract management tasks as necessary.
  
• Collaborate closely with the SEND Reform Partnership Board and key delivery partners to ensure successful implementation.
  
• Track project progress and identify opportunities for enhancement and service development.
  

Requirements

Requirements:

• Demonstrated project management experience within complex public sector programmes.
  
• Strong skills in stakeholder engagement and partnership collaboration.
  
• Experience working across multi-agency environments, including education, health, and local government partners.
  
• Proficiency in managing programme governance, reporting, risks, and delivery plans.
  
• Experience in supporting recruitment, commissioning, procurement, and contract management activities.
  
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and influencing abilities.
  
• Capability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results within tight deadlines.
  
• Experience working within Local Authority SEND Services.
  
• Knowledge of current SEND legislation, reforms, and improvement programmes.
  
• Experience in delivering transformation programmes within education, children's services, or health sectors.
  
• Understanding of partnership-based programme delivery models.
  

What's on Offer?

• 3-Month Rolling Contract
  
• Hybrid Working – 3 Days Remote / 2 Days On-Site
  
• Opportunity to lead high-profile SEND improvement projects.
  
• Engage with senior stakeholders across education, health, and local government.
  
• Contribute to meaningful improvements in outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
  
• Potential for contract extension.
  

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Project Manager, SEND Project Manager, Programme Manager, Transformation Manager, Change Manager, Education Project Manager, SEND Improvement Lead, or Children's Services Programme Manager.