Job Title: Senior Manager - SEND
Salary: £81,049 to £83,932 (pro-rata equivalent £32,420 to £33,573)
Hours: 14.8 hours per week (2 days per week)
Location: Working from home/Carlisle
Contract: Fixed Term (6 months)
About This Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role within Cumberland Council's SEND and Inclusion Service. The service supports children and young people 0-25 years, by ensuring their special educational needs are identified, assessed and met, enabling them to access learning, achieve their potential and participate fully in their communities.
You will lead a strategic approach to SEND workforce development, helping services adapt to new expectations and strengthening a culture of continuous improvement. This includes understanding current and future workforce needs and creating training, development pathways and resources that build professional capability.
You will support staff through change as roles and delivery models evolve, ensuring they feel equipped and confident. A key focus of the role is also to strengthen skills in co‑production, early intervention and inclusive practice across the workforce.
We Are Seeking Someone Who Is
Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND
Experienced in large‑scale change, programme delivery or workforce transformation
Skilled at relationship‑building across complex systems
Confident in leading staff development and supporting cultural change
An excellent communicator, able to influence at all levels
Committed to embedding co‑production and strengthening the voices of children, young people and families
This role is available on a 6-month fixed-term basis.
Why join us?
A lifestyle you won't find elsewhere – Living and working in Cumbria offers the best of both worlds. You'll have a fulfilling and rewarding career while being surrounded by stunning landscapes, from the world-famous Lake District National Park to unspoilt coastlines and vibrant market towns. Whether you enjoy hiking, water sports, cycling, or simply relaxing in a picturesque setting, Cumbria provides an outstanding quality of life.
Supportive environment – You'll be part of a team that values collaboration, compassion, and innovation. We focus on potential over perfection, giving you opportunities to develop your skills and grow your career.
Who We're Looking For
We're looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.
We're also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.
Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.
Contact
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact the PA to Assistant Director Education SEND and Inclusion – Emma Hamer by email at
DBS Checks
This role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is:
Enhanced - Children
Guaranteed Interviews
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicantsas long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more.
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We're dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That's why we're a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.
If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by While adjustments aren't always guaranteed, we'll always listen and we'll try our best to accommodate your needs.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: Monday 23rd February 2026
Interview date:Friday 27th February 2026
Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you're interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Please Read The Supporting Information
Post Specification
Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:
Our Staff Benefits
Candidate Support
About Cumberland Council