This is your opportunity to:

• Play a leading role in shaping and delivering our new City Plan, which prioritises growth, skills and tackling inequalities.

• Lead an experienced and committed education team across early years, school improvement, SEND, inclusion, and the Virtual School.

• Drive the next phase of transformation within education and learning, strengthening inclusive practice, improving attendance and outcomes, and ensuring sufficiency across the system.

• Work in partnership with headteachers, governors, multi-academy trusts, universities, and city stakeholders to lead a collaborative, child-focused system.

• Influence nationally, build on strong foundations, and ensure Southampton’s education system is ambitious, equitable, and fit for the future.

About you

We are looking for someone who can bring energy, credibility, and strategic vision to a complex and high-profile portfolio. Whether you are an experienced education leader, system leader, or someone who has led across children’s services or local government, what matters most is your commitment to improving outcomes – especially for those children and families who need us most.

You will bring:

• A successful track record of leading improvement across education and SEND systems.

• The ability to work strategically and collaboratively across council services, elected members, and wider partnerships.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills – building trust, inspiring teams, and bringing people together around a common vision.

• A strong grasp of inclusion, sufficiency planning, and the challenges facing education in a diverse urban context.

Why Southampton?

This is an exciting time to join us. We have recently restructured our Education leadership team and are entering a new phase of delivery with a renewed focus on education standards, inclusion, and transformation. With a child-friendly city vision, a committed leadership team, and a strong culture of partnership working with schools and communities, this is a council where you can make a lasting difference.

Southampton offers:

• A highly supportive Executive Director and senior leadership team.

• A city with inclusive values, high ambition, and a focus on fairness.

• A culture of collaboration, innovation and purposeful change.

• A vibrant, well-connected place to live and work – rich in culture, history, and green spaces.

Be part of our story. Be the difference.

For further information or to apply, please contact our recruitment partners at Tile Hill; Helen Alwell (07931 543313 or helen.alwell@tile-hill.co.uk) or Anita Denton (07725 554802 or anita.denton@tile-hill.co.uk).

Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 29th June