Continuous Improvement Project Manager – SEND
Essex County Council is recruiting for the Continuous Improvement Project Manager – SEND role. This is a Fixed Term, Full Time position based in Chelmsford.
Salary: £42,034 to £49,451 per annum
Location: Chelmsford | Working Style: Anywhere worker
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.
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. We cover over 1,420 square miles and serve 1.8 million residents. We are committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost, with flexible working options and a focus on innovation. 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.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the job, and we’re also committed to interviewing all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements. We offer great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements.
Essex County Council values integrity and ethical behaviour. We ask applicants to embrace our code of conduct and Nolan principles throughout the recruitment process.
As part of employment with Essex County Council, DBS checks may be required. If required, you will need to register with the DBS update service. For information, see 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 opportunities, join The Essex Talent Community. For queries about the role, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
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