Senior Project Lead - SEN School Development
Fulltime Permanent Southeast England
Salary: £65,000 - £72,000 (DOE)
We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Senior Project Lead to support the development and delivery of new Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools, guiding each project from early planning through to operational mobilisation.
This role is ideal for a senior professional with strong projectdelivery experience in education, SEN, or children's services who can coordinate multiple workstreams, manage stakeholders, and ensure each school opens safe, compliant, and ready for learners.
The Role
As Senior Project Lead, you will play a key role in the successful development of new SEN schools. You will:
* Lead daytoday project management across planning, design, regulatory submissions, and mobilisation
* Coordinate feasibility studies, timelines, risk logs, and delivery plans
* Work closely with architects, contractors, local authorities, and internal teams
* Support the development of operational frameworks, staffing models, policies, and systems
* Ensure compliance with SEND Code of Practice, safeguarding requirements, and Ofsted expectations
* Prepare project documentation, progress reports, and readiness assessments
* Support recruitment, induction, and preopening activities
* Ensure each school is delivered on time, within scope, and to the required quality standards
About You
You will bring:
* Experience delivering complex projects in education, SEN, social care, or a related field
* Strong understanding of SEND legislation, commissioning, and regulatory processes
* Excellent organisational and projectmanagement skills
* Confidence working with multiagency partners and senior stakeholders
* A proactive, solutionsfocused approach
* A commitment to inclusive, childcentred practice
Why Join Us
This is a unique opportunity to help shape new SEN provision from the ground up. You will join a forwardthinking organisation committed to highquality, inclusive education and positive outcomes for children and families.