At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead educational improvement and empower young people across Sandwell.
- Company: Sandwell Council, dedicated to enhancing community potential and opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful role, and the chance to shape future generations.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on transforming lives and communities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education and skills for children and families.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in education and a passion for driving improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Enabling People, Empowering Communities, Enhancing Places. Sandwell’s story is one of potential and striving to realise the ambitions of our borough, our residents and communities. We have been through a period of significant challenge including government intervention, but through determination and our drive for excellence, we look to the future with pride and a sense of purpose. While we have come so far, there is more to do; breaking down silos, embedding our values across the organisation, and ensuring that we continue to transform to deliver the best services for residents.
Created 50 years ago from six proud towns, each unique but united by a shared identity and rich culture, Sandwell is a place built on making things happen, and where children, young people and families have the best opportunity to thrive. Following a restructure across the organisation, including within children’s and education services, we have created three new posts within the directorate, and we are now seeking an outstanding Service Director - Education and Skills to drive improvement across our education system.
We want all children and young people in our borough to maximise their potential, to be prepared for later life, and be equipped to access the many opportunities that our borough and wider region has to offer. You will provide strategic leadership for school improvement, early years and childcare, vulnerable learners, post‑16 learning, adult and family learning, attendance, school organisation and safeguarding within schools.
- Lead the development of a clear and ambitious vision for education and skills across Sandwell, raising attainment, narrowing gaps, strengthening inclusion and ensuring all settings receive high quality monitoring, support, challenge and intervention.
- Oversee key statutory responsibilities including school standards, place planning, capital investment and admissions, including education for vulnerable learners.
- Work as a senior member of the directorate leadership team, shape strategy, manage significant budgets, lead major change programmes, and work closely with schools, partners, central government and stakeholder groups to secure system-wide improvement.
We are looking for a credible education leader with significant experience of system wide leadership, able to build positive and constructive relationships across a range of partner organisations. You will have a strong track record of driving improvement and delivering high quality outcomes for all learners, and respond to the changing policy landscape including the recently released White Paper, ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’. If you are driven by improvement and ready to make a real impact, we would love to hear from you.
Service Director - Education and Skills employer: Sandwell Council
Sandwell Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. As a Best Start in Life Administrator, you will play a vital role in enhancing the lives of children and families, with access to professional development opportunities and a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration across various sectors. Located in a community-focused area, the council offers a fulfilling career path where your contributions directly impact positive outcomes for families in need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Director - Education and Skills
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Sandwell’s education landscape. Understand their challenges and successes, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show them you’re genuinely interested and ready to make an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Reach out directly to schools and organisations in Sandwell. Express your interest in potential opportunities and share how you can contribute to their mission of empowering communities.
✨Tip Number 4
When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to drive improvement in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Director - Education and Skills
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Service Director role. Highlight your experience in education leadership and how it aligns with our vision for Sandwell.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use concrete examples of how you've driven improvement and delivered high-quality outcomes in previous roles to really stand out.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to get a sense of who you are and what motivates you, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for education and community development.
Follow the Application Process:Make sure to apply through our website using the 'Apply Now' link. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwell Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current education policies and frameworks, especially the recent White Paper, ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’. This shows that you’re not just interested in the role but are also up-to-date with the changes in the education landscape.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Highlight your experience in driving improvement and delivering high-quality outcomes, as this is crucial for the Service Director role.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with schools, partners, and government bodies to achieve common goals.
✨Vision for the Future
Craft a clear and ambitious vision for education and skills in Sandwell. Be prepared to articulate how you would raise attainment, strengthen inclusion, and ensure high-quality support for all settings. This will show your commitment to making a real impact.
