At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic improvements in education and skills for children and young people in Sandwell.
- Company: Sandwell Council, dedicated to empowering communities and enhancing local education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful role, and the chance to shape future generations.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on collaboration and community transformation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and drive educational excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in education and a passion for improving learner outcomes.
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. You will 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. You will also oversee key statutory responsibilities including school standards, place planning, capital investment and admissions, including education for vulnerable learners. Working as a senior member of the directorate leadership team, you will help 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.
Responsibilities:
- 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.
- You will 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.
- You will also oversee key statutory responsibilities including school standards, place planning, capital investment and admissions, including education for vulnerable learners.
- Working as a senior member of the directorate leadership team, you will help 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.
Qualifications:
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’.
Contact:
For further information speak to our executive search partners GatenbySanderson: Becky Downs (07831 116 336).
Closing date: 10 April 2026
To apply please click the Apply Now link below.
Service Director - Education and Skills employer: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Join us in Sandwell, where we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact on our communities. As a Ward Co-Ordinator, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises health and wellbeing, alongside access to an award-winning employee benefits scheme. With ample opportunities for professional growth and development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping vibrant neighbourhoods and enhancing the lives of residents.
Contact Details:
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
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, especially those connected to Sandwell. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for education! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your vision for improving education and skills. Talk about how you can help children and young people thrive in Sandwell. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Sandwell’s current challenges and successes in education. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailoring your responses to their specific needs will show that you’re not just another candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and want to be part of the Sandwell community. Let’s make things happen together!
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 Sandwell's vision for improvement.
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 demonstrate your impact.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your written application. We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for education and your commitment to making a difference in the community.
Follow the Application Process:Make sure to apply through our website by clicking the 'Apply Now' link. This ensures your application is received correctly and gives us the best chance to review your credentials thoroughly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest education policies, especially the White Paper ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’. Familiarise yourself with Sandwell’s unique challenges and successes, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your strategic leadership experience. Think about times when you’ve driven improvement or managed significant budgets. Be ready to discuss how you’ve built positive relationships with partner organisations and led change programmes successfully.
✨Emphasise Inclusion and Support
Since the role focuses on vulnerable learners and inclusion, come prepared with ideas on how to strengthen these areas. Share specific strategies you’ve implemented in the past that have made a real difference in educational settings.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your genuine interest in Sandwell’s vision for education and skills. Inquire about their current initiatives, challenges they face, and how they measure success. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
