We are recruiting to the role of School Organisation and Place Planning Manager within Children's Services.

This is a senior specialist role for an experienced school organisation and pupil place planning professional who wishes to operate at strategic level and influence system‑wide decisions.

We are seeking an individual who understands the demographic challenges in Tower Hamlets and can translate complex data, forecasts and policy into clear and deliverable school organisation solutions.

As School Organisation and Place Planning Manager, you will lead the authority’s work on sufficiency, school organisation and statutory change, acting as a senior advisor to colleagues and partners.

About the Role

You will have responsibility for:

Developing and maintaining robust pupil number projections
Leading statutory school organisation processes
Providing strategic oversight of SEND sufficiency modelling and future planning
Leading on SCAP returns, net capacity assessments and related DfE data submissions
Advising on the impact of pupil numbers on future education provision and capital planning
Supporting and advising the School Organisation and Strategy Group

About You

Successful candidates will have significant experience in pupil place planning or school organisation and are ready to operate at senior level.

You will bring:

Substantial professional experience in pupil place planning, school organisation and/or school admissions
Advanced skills in data analysis, forecasting and projection methodologies
A strong understanding of statutory frameworks, including school organisation legislation, admissions and appeals
Experience of managing complex consultations and stakeholder relationships
Confidence presenting complex, sometimes contentious, information to varied audiences
The credibility to influence across professional, political and organisational boundaries

You may currently be a Place Planning Manager, Senior Analyst, School Organisation Lead or equivalent, or operating at a similar level.

The vacancy will be closed once we have reached the maximum number of applications.

Our Benefits

Competitive salary £58,551 to £61,686 per annum.
Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.
Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance.
Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact [email protected]

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.