Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people? Do you thrive in a fastpaced environment where you can shape system-wide change? We’re looking for an exceptional Transformation Project Manager to lead and drive a programme of service redesign in response to the national Schools White Paper and SEND & AP Improvement Plan.

About the Role

This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in transforming how education and SEND services are delivered locally. You will lead complex change activity across schools, partners, and council services to ensure we are fully prepared forand responsive tothe evolving national education and inclusion landscape.

You will work closely with senior leaders, including education, inclusion, commissioning, and finance colleagues, to design and implement new operating models, pathways, and service structures that improve outcomes, strengthen inclusion, and ensure long-term system sustainability.

The position is temporary for 6 months and the hours of work are 18 hours 30 minutes per week.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the endtoend delivery of a transformation programme aligned to the Schools White Paper ambitions and SEND/AP reforms.
  • Manage multiple workstreams, ensuring clear milestones, risks, and deliverables.
  • Facilitate co-production with schools, parent/carers, partners, and young people.
  • Use data, evidence and best practice to shape recommendations and redesign proposals.
  • Provide strong project governance, reporting, and documentation to senior leadership structures.
  • Support culture change across the systembuilding collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure reforms translate into tangible improvements for children, families, and schools.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

  • An experienced project or transformation manager with a track record of delivering change in complex environments.
  • Skilled at building strong relationships and influencing at all levels.
  • Confident working across education, health, SEND, children’s services, or similarly complex public sector systems.
  • Analytical, strategic, and solutions-focused.
  • Able to manage competing priorities while keeping outcomes for children at the heart of every decision.
  • Comfortable working with ambiguity and driving clarity in evolving policy landscapes.

What We Offer

  • The chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people.
  • A supportive, innovative, and values-driven environment.
  • Opportunities for professional development in transformation, service design, and leadership.
  • Flexible working arrangements.

If you’re ready to take on a high-profile, high-impact role at the forefront of education and SEND reform, we’d love to hear from you.


To apply please demonstrate how you meet the essential requirements of the person specification.

Please include reference to your qualifications that are specified on the person specification within your application only include if there are qualifications

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application.


Supporting Documents

↗ Job Description and Person Specification

Ready to apply?

Location

Smith Street, , Rochdale, OL16 1XU, United Kingdom

Job ID

12390

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