SEND Operations Manager

SEND Operations Manager📍 Middlesbrough (multi-site role)
💼 Full-time | Permanent
💰 £40,810 - £42,955 (term time + 5 weeks, flexibility considered)
About the Role We are seeking an experienced SEND Operations Manager to play a key strategic and operational role in delivering high-quality inclusive provision for children and young people aged 2-16.
This is a senior leadership position supporting the delivery of SEND and inclusion strategy across multiple education settings. It is particularly well-suited to individuals with a Local Authority SEND background or those with extensive experience in statutory SEND processes and inclusion leadership.
You will work at the centre of a multi-agency system-collaborating with education providers, families, local authority teams, and external professionals-to ensure children with SEND receive the right support, at the right time, in line with statutory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

🔹 Strategic & Operational Leadership Lead and implement SEND operational processes across multiple settings

Contribute to SEND and inclusion strategy and service improvement

Drive consistency, quality assurance, and compliance with statutory guidance

🔹 EHCP Oversight & Statutory Processes Oversee EHCP caseloads, including referrals, reviews, amendments and consultations

Ensure statutory timelines and quality standards are met Provide professional challenge where processes are not compliant

🔹 Quality Assurance & Improvement Develop and implement quality assurance frameworks for EHCPs and SEND provision

Audit casework and drive continuous improvement across services

Ensure robust documentation and reporting for internal and external stakeholders

🔹 Multi-Agency Working Act as a key liaison with Local Authorities, health and social care professionals

Represent the organisation at panels, forums, and multi-agency boards

Build strong partnerships to improve outcomes for children and families

🔹 Complex Case Management Support and lead on complex SEND cases, including tribunal preparation

Provide guidance to leaders and practitioners on statutory SEND processes

Escalate and resolve issues in line with legal frameworks

🔹 Funding & Resource Management Oversee High Needs Funding applications and tracking

Support effective resource allocation and service commissioning (e.g. SALT, EP, OT)

About You We are looking for someone who:✔ Has significant experience in SEND statutory processes (EHCPs, reviews, tribunals)
✔ Understands local authority systems, policy, and multi-agency working
✔ Has led or contributed to SEND/inclusion strategy or service improvement
✔ Can confidently manage complex caseloads and competing priorities
✔ Is skilled in quality assurance, audit, and performance monitoring
✔ Can influence stakeholders and provide professional challenge at a senior level
✔ Is passionate about improving outcomes for children with SEND
Why Join Us?

Be part of a forward-thinking inclusion strategy across multiple settings
Work closely with experienced senior leaders in SEND and education
Opportunity to influence and shape system-wide SEND practice
Ongoing professional development and leadership support
Access to wellbeing support, pension scheme, and flexible working options
Safeguarding We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory pre-employment screening.
Apply Now If you are a SEND professional ready to step into (or continue within) a strategic, system-level role, we would love to hear from you.

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