At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve SEND services, ensuring high-quality support for children and families.
- Company: Join Southampton City Council's dedicated SEND leadership team.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, and excellent local government pension.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND services and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37035 - 45265 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Service Manager - SEN to join Southampton City Council's SEND Service.
About the team
Southampton City Council is seeking an experienced SEND leader to provide senior operational and strategic leadership across our SEND service.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering our ambitious SEND reform programme, leading service improvement, driving inclusion, and ensuring high-quality support for children, young people and their families.
The role sits at the heart of our commitment to creating a more inclusive education system and improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND across the city.
You will join a committed SEND leadership team that is driving transformation across Southampton's SEND system.
Working closely with education settings, health partners, social care colleagues, parent carers and children and young people, the team is leading developments including the Southampton 360 model, cluster-based approaches to SEND support, workforce development, quality assurance and service improvement.
We are passionate about co-production, inclusion and early intervention, and are looking for a leader who shares our ambition to deliver excellent services while shaping sustainable long-term change for children, young people and families.
About the role
As Service Manager - SEND, you will work closely with the Heads of Service to ensure the effective delivery of statutory and non-statutory SEND services, while leading transformational change across the wider SEND system.
The role combines operational leadership with strategic development, ensuring services are compliant, responsive and focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
You will provide leadership across key areas including
- Statutory SEND services and EHCP processes.
- Quality assurance, performance and service improvement.
- Southampton 360 model and inclusive practice initiatives.
- Cluster-based SEND support and funding arrangements.
- Multi-agency partnership working across education, health and social care.
- Workforce development and leadership of managers and practitioners.
The post also has a significant role in supporting Southampton's vision for inclusion, strengthening mainstream provision, improving outcomes, and ensuring children and young people receive the right support at the right time
About you
We are looking for a highly motivated leader with substantial experience of delivering and improving SEND services within a complex environment.
You will bring
- Extensive knowledge of SEND legislation, the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice.
- Experience of leading teams and managing service performance.
- Strong partnership working skills and the ability to influence across organisational boundaries.
- Experience of using data, quality assurance and stakeholder feedback to drive improvement.
- The ability to lead through change and transformation while maintaining a focus on high-quality service delivery.
- A commitment to inclusion, co‑production and improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
- Drive improvement, influence change and support innovation across complex systems.
Above all, we are looking for someone who shares our commitment to inclusion, co‑production and delivering positive outcomes for children, young people and families.
What we can offer you
Here at SCC we have a range of different benefits, a few examples can be found below.
- Excellent local government pension with 15.2% employer contribution
- Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
- Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service
- Flexible working options (role-dependent)
- Family‑friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
- Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
- Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
- Veteran‑friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
- Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
- Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
- Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
- Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer
For further information on our benefits package please visit: Employee benefits (southampton. gov. uk)
Contact details for informal discussion: For further information and details regarding the Service Manager SEN please contact Daniel Beck (Head of Strategic SEND) at Daniel.
Beck@Southampton. gov. uk or Lara Jordan (Head of Statutory SEND) at Lara.
Jordan@Southampton. gov. uk
Interview Information: Please note that interviews are scheduled for Thursday 5th November 2026.
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Service Manager - SEND in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
Southampton City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the community. As an Emergency Telecare Advisor, you will benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring your growth in a role that makes a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable residents. With a commitment to teamwork and resilience, you'll find a rewarding environment that values compassion and quick decision-making in a dynamic 24/7 service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager - SEND in Southampton
✨Dive into Local Government Events
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Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
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We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager - SEND in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Southampton City Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Southampton City Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Southampton City Council.
