Continuous Improvement Project Manager - SEND

About the role

Continuous Improvement Project Manager - SEND

Fixed Term, Full Time

£42,034 to £49,451 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for up to 2 years.

The Opportunity

The SEND Continuous Improvement Project Manager will manage several projects aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services in Essex. The post holder will be responsible for working with subject matter experts and family representatives to gather and analyse data and lived experience, evaluate existing SEND processes and services, identify areas for improvement and collaboratively develop solutions.

The post holder will have a strong background in project management, continuous improvement methodologies, strong facilitation skills. A clear understanding of SEND processes and regulations would be advantageous.

The post holder will be passionate about improving outcomes and the experiences of children/ young people with SEND and their families. They will have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.

To read more about our business area, please visit: Education

Accountabilities

Facilitate workshops and meetings, including multi-agency Co-ordination and Oversight Groups (COGs) with a specific remit to improve certain elements of the SEND system
Manage improvement projects to ensure they deliver the desired outcomes on time and to sufficient standards
Contribute to long term SEND strategic project and programme plans
Track the progress of improvement projects, analyse impact data, and report findings to senior management
Devise and oversee the delivery of change management plans to ensure improved processes and solutions are embedded as intended
Provide regular communications to the wider workforce
Support the research and evaluation of best practices, emerging approaches and national policy around SEND to inform ECC strategy and plans.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop SEND services
Support the preparation for Ofsted/CQC inspection

The Experience You Will Bring

Educated to degree level in a relevant field or equivalent by experience
Qualification and significant experience in continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).
Qualification and experience in project management and/or change management or equivalent by experience
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of SEND regulations and best practices.
Evidence of continuing professional development

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) on our careers site.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk

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Continuous Improvement Project Manager – SEND