Job Description:

Interim Project Manager (SEND)

Location: East Midlands (Hybrid – 2 days on-site)
Rate: £500 per day (Umbrella) (£370 PAYE per day)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for experienced Project Managers to support a local authority in the East Midlands with the delivery of a high-profile SEND transformation programme.

This role will play a key part in driving forward strategic priorities and SEND reforms, working across education, health, and social care to deliver measurable improvements for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead complex SEND transformation projects using recognised project management methodologies
• Develop and manage detailed project plans, including milestones, risks, issues, dependencies, and benefits realisation
• Coordinate multiple workstreams across multi-agency partnerships
• Monitor progress against agreed outcomes, addressing risks and delays proactively
• Translate national policy and guidance into deliverable local actions
• Ensure alignment with statutory duties, best practice, and Department for Education expectations
• Engage effectively with stakeholders including schools, parents/carers, young people, and partner organisations
• Support governance processes, including programme boards and reporting
• Produce high-quality reports, dashboards, and briefings for senior stakeholders
• Manage budgets, resources, and contribute to business cases and funding bids
• Use data and insights to track performance and support continuous improvement

Experience & Skills Required:

• Proven experience managing complex projects or programmes, ideally within education or children’s services
• Experience working within a local authority SEND system
• Knowledge of SEND legislation and policy (or ability to acquire quickly)
• Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders
• Experience working in fast-paced, high-profile environments

Desirable:

• Commissioning experience
• Experience in co-production and inclusive programme design

This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to meaningful transformation work, improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND within a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.

To apply or find out more, please get in touch.