Senior Manager UK Visa Sponsorship
Job Description
Make a Lasting Difference Across Education in East Sussex
East Sussex is looking for an experienced and forward-thinking education professional to take on a senior role focused on strengthening leadership, governance and school improvement across the county.
As Senior Manager: Leadership and Governance, you will play a key part in shaping the future of the local school-led system. Working with schools, governing bodies, council teams and external partners, you will help create strong leadership arrangements and sustainable structures that support better educational outcomes for children and young people.
This is an opportunity for someone who combines strategic thinking with practical experience and who is motivated by improving the quality, inclusivity and effectiveness of education.
About the Role
You will become part of the Education Division leadership team, contributing to the development and delivery of strategic priorities across East Sussex.
Your responsibilities will include:
– Providing strategic direction on school leadership and improvement.
– Supporting effective governance across schools and strengthening governance arrangements where necessary.
– Leading work designed to develop and improve school structures.
– Overseeing headteacher recruitment for local authority-maintained schools.
– Working with governing bodies to identify and address areas where intervention or additional support is required.
– Managing and overseeing Governor Services.
– Building effective relationships across the council, schools, trusts, governing bodies and external organisations.
– Helping ensure that education strategies are aligned across the wider school-led system.
Reporting to the Head of Education: Inclusion and Partnerships, you will have the opportunity to influence important decisions and contribute to long-term improvements across a diverse range of schools.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking an education leader with the experience, judgement and partnership-building skills required to operate at a strategic level.
You should have:
– Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
– Senior leadership experience within a school or Trust, or experience as a Chair of Governors.
– A strong understanding of school improvement and effective governance.
– Experience of developing and maintaining successful professional partnerships.
– A clear commitment to inclusion and improving outcomes for children and young people.
You will ideally be confident working with a wide range of stakeholders and able to turn strategic priorities into practical, sustainable improvements.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Education is continuing to evolve at both national and local levels, making strong leadership and effective governance more important than ever.
In this role, you will work alongside senior education professionals, school leaders, governors, council colleagues and partner organisations. Your contribution will help shape school structures, develop leadership capacity and support schools to provide better opportunities for children and young people.
You will join a collaborative leadership environment where there is genuine scope to influence strategy, strengthen partnerships and support lasting improvement throughout East Sussex.
Equality, Inclusion and Development
East Sussex County Council welcomes applications from people from all backgrounds and communities. We are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and recognise the value that different experiences and perspectives bring.
Employees can also access a broad range of benefits and development opportunities.
Apprenticeship and vocational training opportunities are available to staff, from entry-level programmes through to degree-level qualifications. You can discuss relevant opportunities with the recruiting manager and apprenticeship team to establish whether training could be supported alongside this role.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted using the Apply Now button. You will need to provide your CV together with a Supporting Statement.
Your Supporting Statement will be used as part of the shortlisting process, so make sure it clearly demonstrates how your experience, knowledge and skills meet the requirements outlined in the person specification. You can draw on relevant professional experience, education, voluntary work, personal interests or other appropriate experience.
Candidates are encouraged to review the organisation’s guidance on completing applications, including its information regarding the use of AI.
Interview date: Wednesday 30 September 2026
Interview location: County Hall, Lewes
Format: In-person
Candidates meeting specified eligibility criteria may receive priority during shortlisting. Please refer to the organisation’s priority status information for further details.
Informal Enquiries
If you would like to discuss the position before applying, please contact:
Katie Ridgway
Head of Education: Inclusion and Partnerships
Email: katie.ridgway@eastsussex.gov.uk
An informal conversation can be arranged through Microsoft Teams or by telephone.
Additional Information
This position requires an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity through the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Applicants who have previously lived or worked outside the UK may also be required to provide evidence of an overseas police check.
Further information about DBS checks is available through the UK Government’s official guidance.
If the role is offered on a part-time or term-time basis, the advertised salary will be adjusted on a pro-rata basis.
Applicants who require UK visa sponsorship should mention this in their application so that eligibility for sponsorship can be assessed for the position.
If you need reasonable adjustments because of a disability to enable you to participate fully in the recruitment process, please contact the hiring manager using the details provided above.
For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex.
