Senior Project Manager (SEND Reforms)

Full Time, Fixed Term for 12 months initially with potential extension.

Join our dynamic Portfolios, Programmes and Projects (PPP) Service, where you’ll drive the council’s ambitious change initiatives and capital projects as a Senior Project Manager directly supporting our strategic priorities. As a key member of our experienced delivery team, you’ll collaborate with Programme Managers, Project Managers, Business Analysts, and Project Support Officers, tackling complex, high-profile projects across the organisation.

This role sits within the Change & Transformation Portfolio, offering you the chance to lead and deliver programmes that make a real impact. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, translate strategy into action, inspire diverse teams, and balance robust governance with agile delivery.

We’re particularly keen to hear from individuals ready to spearhead reform in Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND) provision. You’ll lead a flagship programme at a pivotal moment, building on our strong foundations: a co-produced SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2024–2028, expanded service capacity, reduced caseloads, new Inclusive Learning Service, and a £53m city-wide investment in specialist provision.

In this high-impact role, you’ll convert strategy and national SEND reforms into practical, system-wide improvements working collaboratively with partners across education, health, and care in a restorative environment.

Other, similar assignments are anticipated in the near future so we're keen to hear from as many great candidates as possible  with an eye on these potential, additional future needs for this role.

We offer hybrid working with flexibility to work from home, though attendance at City Hall in Bristol may be required based on service needs.

If you’re a seasoned project leader ready to take on a career-defining challenge, deliver meaningful change for children and young people, and shape the future of SEND provision, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Bristol City Council?

At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high-profile organisation. For the majority of our roles hybrid working arrangements are available, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice - mixing both home and office working.

Join us and you’ll receive an excellent rewards package including flexible working and flexitime, membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance. In addition, you’ll be working in a supportive environment where you’ll have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.

How do I apply?

If you share our values and are ready to be part of our exciting journey please select the apply button below.

To be shortlisted for interview you’ll need to demonstrate how you meet each of the essential criteria in the Person Specification within the Further Information section of your application. On occasion we will receive high numbers of applications, we may then shortlist against the desirable criteria along with the essential criteria, so if you can, please demonstrate how you meet this in your application.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to close this vacancy early. We therefore encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

For permanent Bristol City Council employees, this post will be a secondment.

For employees who are currently on a fixed term contract with Bristol City Council, the secondment must not extend beyond the end of the fixed term period to ensure there is a substantive post to return to.

If you are currently a casual worker or a member of an employment agency (currently working with Bristol City Council) this post will be a fixed term contract.

We're a Disability Confident employer which means we value recruiting and retaining disabled people. Any job applicants who consider themselves to be disabled and meet the essential criteria in the Person Specification are guaranteed an interview. We'll make reasonable adjustments throughout the interview process and provide continued workplace support throughout your career.

For further information, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification or alternatively, please contact Lee Ford (Operations Manager: Portfolios, Programmes & Projects) ppp.careers@bristol.gov.uk

Bristol City Council strives to have a workforce that reflects the communities it serves, we are therefore committed to ensuring diversity in our hiring process. We welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. Appointments will be made on merit. 

The personal information section (including your name) you’ll complete as part of the application form will not be visible to hiring managers, but is used confidentially to make sure that everyone is treated fairly.