West Northamptonshire Council · Northampton, England · £103k–£110k
This is a live UK-based role at West Northamptonshire Council, a UK Skilled Worker sponsor tracked by Sponsorly AI against the Home Office register. Posted 21 September 2026. Listed as open until 31 October 2026.
Job introduction You can also see our full list of employee benefits on our careers site here: Why you should work for us | West Northamptonshire Council About the role At West Northamptonshire Council, we're committed to making West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive. We're looking for an exceptional leader to shape the future of education across the area, ensuring every child and young person has access to the opportunities they need to succeed. As part of our Senior Management Team, you will play a pivotal role in delivering our ambitions for children, families and communities across West Northamptonshire. As Service Director for Education and Partnerships, you will provide visible and influential strategic leadership across education, inclusion, partnerships, and sufficiency planning, ensuring that services are responsive, sustainable, and deliver improved outcomes for children, young people, and families. Working closely with schools, academy trusts, early years providers, health partners and wider stakeholders, you will strengthen the local education system and ensure that children and young people receive high-quality support throughout their educational journey. This is a highly influential role with responsibility for developing long-term strategies, leading significant transformation programmes and ensuring statutory education functions are delivered effectively. You will help shape the future of education across West Northamptonshire, ensuring services are innovative, financially sustainable and focused on improving outcomes for children and young people. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore subject to an enhanced DBS certificate. It is also a regulated activity and will be subject to a Children's Barred List check. West Northamptonshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Additional information You will be an experienced and inspirational leader with a strong track record of delivering improvement within education, children's services or a comparable system leadership environment. You'll be comfortable operating in complex and politically sensitive settings, with the ability to build trusted relationships, influence senior stakeholders and drive meaningful change. To be successful, you will bring: Significant senior leadership experience within education, children's services or a related sector. A strong understanding of education systems, statutory education responsibilities, school improvement and governance. Experience of leading large-scale change, managing complex budgets and delivering sustainable service improvements. Excellent partnership-building and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with schools, academy trusts, elected members, regulators and wider partners. Strong analytical and str…
Listing tracked by Sponsorly AI from West Northamptonshire Council's own job posting. Apply directly with the employer — Sponsorly does not process applications.