At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives to enhance education and skills for children and young people in Suffolk.
- Company: Suffolk County Council, committed to improving outcomes for the community.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to innovation and high performance.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and create lasting impact for families in Suffolk.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in education, strong strategic and financial skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Endeavour House, Ipswich, with flexible / hybrid working options
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
At Suffolk County Council, we’re entering one of the most exciting periods in our journey to improve outcomes for children and young people. Over the last 18 months our Children and Young People’s Services have made significant strides – stabilising services, strengthening performance and rebuilding confidence across the system. Now we’re ready to take the next step. With strong corporate backing, growing momentum, and renewed energy across our partnerships, this is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of education and skills in Suffolk, and make a lasting difference for children, young people, and families.
As our Assistant Director for Inclusion and Education, you’ll provide strategic leadership across education, skills development, and learning provision. You’ll lead service redesign, improvement programmes, and the integration of diverse educational functions, ensuring that Suffolk delivers high-quality, inclusive, and impactful learning experiences for all. You’ll also be responsible for driving innovation, embedding best practice, and translating strategic ambitions into tangible outcomes that benefit children and young people across the county.
We’re looking for a visionary and collaborative leader who can inspire confidence across schools, multi-academy trusts, colleges, training providers, and other partners. With strong financial and strategic acumen, you’ll have a proven track record of improving education and skills services, leading complex programmes, and managing change within large organisations. This is a role with real influence. With national education reforms ahead and a strong Children and Young People’s leadership team in place, you’ll have the opportunity to help shape services for the future while consolidating the excellent progress already achieved.
You’ll work alongside talented and committed colleagues in a supportive leadership environment that values partnership, creativity, and high performance. Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to make a measurable, lasting impact on the lives of children, young people, and their families across Suffolk. Join us and lead the next phase of Suffolk’s education and skills journey - help ensure every child and young person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
To find out more please contact our retained recruitment consultants at Tile Hill: Anita Denton on 07725 554802 or Chris Barrow on 07437 839048 or visit this link.
Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 17th May 2026
Assistant Director for Inclusion and Education in Suffolk employer: Suffolk County Council
Contact Detail:
Suffolk County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director for Inclusion and Education in Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those connected to Suffolk County Council. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for inclusion and education during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've driven change or improved services in previous roles. This will help us see your vision and commitment to making a difference for children and young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewers. Ask about their current initiatives or challenges they face in education and skills development. This shows that you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to highlight your fit for the role directly in the context of what we’re looking for at Suffolk County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director for Inclusion and Education in Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the role of Assistant Director for Inclusion and Education. Highlight your strategic leadership experience and how you've driven innovation in education.
Showcase Your Vision: We want to see your vision for improving education and skills services. Share examples of how you've successfully led complex programmes and managed change, demonstrating your ability to inspire confidence across various educational partners.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your achievements and ideas, making it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a difference in Suffolk.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and policies in education and inclusion. Familiarise yourself with Suffolk County Council’s recent initiatives and achievements in Children and Young People’s Services. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the collaborative environment at Suffolk. Think of examples where you've inspired teams or driven change, especially in complex educational settings. Be ready to illustrate how you can lead service redesign and improvement programmes effectively.
✨Emphasise Strategic Thinking
Highlight your financial and strategic acumen by discussing past experiences where you’ve successfully managed budgets or led strategic initiatives. Be specific about how your decisions have positively impacted educational outcomes, as this role requires a strong focus on translating strategy into tangible results.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the challenges and opportunities within Suffolk’s education system. Inquire about their vision for the future and how they measure success in inclusion and education. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their mission.