Job Title: Service Manager – InclusionContract: 3 months, covering long-term sicknessLocation: Liverpool, hybrid workingWe are looking for an experienced and motivated Service Manager for Inclusion to lead key services that support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This is an exciting opportunity to shape and improve services that make a real difference to families.About the roleAs the Service Manager, you will oversee:

• SEND Team
• Travel and Transport Support
• Access & Inclusion Services

You will provide strong leadership to team managers, support the development of high-quality services, and ensure statutory responsibilities under the SEND Code of Practice are met. You will also work closely with senior leaders across education, health and social care to drive improvement and contribute to strategic planning for SEND provision.Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage staff, budgets and physical resources across Inclusion services.
• Monitor and improve performance, ensuring services are efficient, effective, and meet required standards.
• Support future planning for SEND provision and pupil place arrangements.
• Foster strong working relationships with partners, including schools and other agencies.
• Ensure services comply with legislation and inspection frameworks (including OFSTED and CQC).
• Drive service development using a plan–do–review approach.
• Contribute to strategic decision-making and deputise for senior leaders when required.
• Promote positive health and safety, safeguarding, equality and diversity practices.

About you

• Significant experience in SEND, Inclusion, Education, Health or Social Care.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Experience managing budgets and resources.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and build strong partnerships.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and high-quality service delivery.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, national SEND priorities and inspection frameworks.
• The ability to work under pressure, manage competing demands and deliver to deadlines.

Qualifications

• A recognised professional qualification in Social Care, Education or a related field (or equivalent).
• Further management training or qualifications are desirable.

Why Choose Ackerman Pierce?Ackerman Pierce calls upon over 15 years' worth of experience in recruiting directly into the Social Work Sector. We can offer a unique experience within recruitment where you have your own personal consultant, a DBS and Compliance service with a quick and easy registration process. We pride ourselves on a guaranteed weekly payment process.To discuss this vacancy further or any other opportunities, please contact Elise Revett or email in your updated CV to us at Ackerman Pierce.