At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities service in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Bracknell Forest Borough Council, committed to high-quality services for children and young people.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £400 per day, flexible working, and impactful leadership experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while enhancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading SEND services and strong knowledge of relevant legislation.
The predicted salary is between 104000 - 116000 £ per year.
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 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.
Service Manager (Interim) in Bracknell employer: i-Jobs
i-jobs is an exceptional employer that values its employees by fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to professional development, we offer extensive growth opportunities and support for continuous learning, ensuring our team members thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful projects that impact the community. Join us at City Hall, where your expertise in business continuity will be recognised and rewarded in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager (Interim) in Bracknell
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager (Interim) in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at i-Jobs
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from i-Jobs.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show i-Jobs that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
