The Role

Are you an experienced transformation leader with a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?

Warrington Borough Council is seeking an exceptional Senior Programme Manager - SEND Transformation to lead one of the most ambitious and important programmes across our education, health and care partnership. This is a unique opportunity to shape system-wide reform, influence strategic decision-making, and deliver meaningful improvements for children, young people and their families.

As the Council's senior operational lead for SEND Reform, you will provide strategic leadership for Warrington's SEND Reform and Improvement Programme, driving complex transformation across education, health and social care. You will oversee multiple workstreams, establish effective governance and assurance arrangements, and ensure that improvement activity translates into better outcomes and experiences for children and young people with SEND.

Working closely with senior leaders, elected members, schools, health partners, families and regional stakeholders, you will lead multidisciplinary teams, manage programme performance, risks and resources, and ensure that the voice of children, young people and families remains central to service redesign and improvement.

This post is 24 month fixed term position. You will be required to work 37 hours per week and will be based at 1 Time Square, Warrington.

About You

We are looking for a confident and credible leader with:

• Significant experience leading large-scale transformation, reform or improvement programmes.
• A strong track record of delivering complex programmes within budget, scope and timescale.
• Experience working across SEND, education, health, social care or integrated partnership environments.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical capability and experience using data to drive improvement and decision-making.
• Excellent knowledge of SEND legislation, policy and the Local Area SEND Inspection Framework.
• A commitment to co-production, inclusion and improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

Why Join Warrington?

This is an opportunity to make a lasting difference at a pivotal moment for SEND services. You will work alongside ambitious and committed partners across education, health and care, helping to shape a sustainable, inclusive and high-performing SEND system for the future.

If you are an innovative, resilient and outcomes-focused leader who thrives in complex environments and is passionate about improving the lives of children and young people, we would love to hear from you.

Help us deliver transformational change and ensure that every child and young person with SEND can achieve their full potential.

For an informal discussion about the role, please email Louise Atkin, Deputy Director Education and Inclusion.