Who You Are You are an experienced leader with a background in managing complex issues related to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). You have exceptional problem-solving abilities, which allow you to make informed, pragmatic decisions even in challenging and emotionally charged environments. You are able to inspire and guide teams to deliver high-quality services while juggling conflicting priorities. Your communication skills enable you to negotiate, persuade, and influence a diverse range of stakeholders. You possess strong resilience, research acumen, and partnership-working skills, and you are adept at analyzing complex information and making sound judgements. You have a history of successfully managing teams and budgets, and you thrive in a dynamic, pressure-filled environment committed to openness, transparency, and fairness. What the Job Involves As the Operational Lead of the Special Educational Needs Assessment Team (SENAT), you will oversee six teams that operate countywide, focusing on providing service delivery across the 0-25 age range. You'll ensure that statutory requirements are met and work to align services with national expectations regarding deadlines, growth, and placements. Your responsibilities include supporting service improvements, planning resources, solving problems creatively, and managing workstreams in collaboration with the SEND and Inclusion Strategy. Your role involves analyzing current and future educational needs, working towards additional placements, and reducing dependency on costly independent sector options. You'll collaborate closely with key stakeholders to ensure budgetary efficiencies and engage strategically to manage complex cases and broader challenges. You will manage SENAT staff, handle complaints, provide expert guidance, and ensure adherence to statutory frameworks. Skills Advanced problem-solving and decision-making Leadership and team management Excellent communication and negotiation Innovative thinking and solution identification Partnership and relationship management Resource and budget management Strategic planning and execution