SEND Senior Education Project Manager

Job details

Job reference VAC
008438. Date posted 23/06/2026. Final date to receive applications 12/07/2026. Location City Hall College Green City Centre Bristol BS1 5TR
. Salary TP1: £68,653 - £76,046. Package Blank. Contractual hours 37. Basis Full time. Job category/type Education, Project Management. Attachments:
Job , Person .

Full Time, Fixed Term until 31st December 2027.

Bristol City Council is seeking an experienced Senior SEND Education Project Manager to support delivery of our ambitious SEND Sufficiency Programme, driving the creation of high‑quality provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

This is an important role requiring significant expertise in SEND systems, sufficiency planning, and place commissioning, alongside a strong track record of senior‑level leadership within education and/or local authority environments. You will play a critical role in ensuring that SEND provision is effectively planned, developed, and delivered in line with statutory duties and local need.

You will lead on ensuring that all SEND capital and sufficiency projects are clearly defined, strategically aligned, and effectively implemented. This includes oversight of place planning, forecasting demand, shaping provision, supporting decant arrangements, and ensuring readiness for opening new or expanded SEND provision.

Working within Inclusion in the Education and Skills Directorate, the role acts as a senior strategic bridge between capital project delivery, schools, multi‑academy trusts, governing bodies, the Department for Education, Children’s Services, and senior leaders. You will ensure that sufficiency developments are coherent, evidence‑led, and deliver improved outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

A strong understanding of SEND policy, legislation, and sufficiency frameworks is essential, alongside the ability to apply this knowledge to complex, large‑scale programmes.

Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills are critical, as you will serve as the principal point of contact for schools, MATs, and governing bodies on SEND sufficiency and capital project matters, ensuring clear, consistent messaging and strong partnership working across the system.

Hybrid working arrangement (home and office). Membership of the Local Government Pension scheme. Generous annual leave allowance. Supportive environment and opportunities for career development.

We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the interview process and ongoing workplace support.

Bristol City Council strives to have a workforce that reflects the communities it serves, and is committed to diversity. Appointments will be made on merit.