Senior Manager: Specialist Teaching Services

Job Description

Are you ready to lead specialist teaching within the local authority? If you have the vision and expertise to lead our Specialist Teaching Services into their next phase of development, we’d love to hear from you.

As a senior SEND leader reporting to the Head of Education: SEND, you will drive inclusive education strategy across the county, leading Specialist Teaching Services, Teaching and Learning Provision, Sensory Needs and Deaf Facilities. You will provide strategic leadership, manage resources, build partnerships, fulfil statutory SEND duties, and improve outcomes for children.

We're looking for someone who brings:

1. Proven senior leadership in schools/settings with SEND experience.
2. Strong strategic leadership and experience leading large, multi-disciplinary teams.
3. Expertise in using data and performance information to drive improvement and better outcomes.
4. A track record of challenging underperformance and securing positive outcomes for children and young people.
5. Strong partnership-working skills, with the integrity and resilience to collaborate effectively across education, health, children's services, and families.

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.

To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.

For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page and our statement on the use of AI.

Interviews will be held in person on Friday 29 January 2027 at County Hall, Lewes and will include:

• A formal interview panel
• Data and prioritisation tasks
• Opportunities to meet key colleagues

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details

This is a unique opportunity to shape and drive countywide priorities focused on improving and securing better outcomes for children and young people, within our Specialist Teaching Service.

For an informal conversation prior to applying, please contact Sarah Speedie – Head of Education: SEND by email: sarah.speedie@eastsussex.gov.uk.

For work that makes a difference choose East Sussex!

About us

Additional Information
This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record. Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.
Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.
If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas
If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.