Assistant Director of Transformation - Additional Needs & Disabilities

Assistant Director of Transformation - Additional Needs & Disabilities

Contract: 6 months - Possible extension (Inside IR35)

Location: London

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Director of Transformation to lead a complex, multi-stakeholder transformation programme focused on improving services and outcomes for children and young people with Additional Needs and Disabilities (AND/SEND).

Reporting to the Director of Commissioning for Transformation, you will provide strategic leadership across service transformation, programme delivery, commissioning and financial improvement. You will work closely with senior leaders, education providers, health services and other partners to deliver sustainable improvements, strengthen service provision and manage financial pressures.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a strategic transformation programme, ensuring alignment with improvement plans and agreed outcomes.
• Oversee multiple projects and workstreams, managing milestones, risks, dependencies, resources and budgets.
• Drive service redesign, early intervention and improved commissioning to enhance outcomes and value for money.
• Lead initiatives to contain costs and manage demand within high-needs funding.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, elected representatives and external partners to secure commitment and drive collaborative change.
• Provide effective programme governance, performance reporting and assurance to senior leadership and relevant external bodies.
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary programme team, embedding accountability and sustainable improvements.
• Challenge existing practices and drive continuous improvement across organisational and service boundaries.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Extensive experience leading complex transformation programmes within a large, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Proven ability to deliver organisational change, service improvement and measurable outcomes.
• Strong financial management experience, including budget oversight, cost containment and value-for-money initiatives.
• Experience engaging and influencing senior executives, stakeholders and external partners.
• Excellent programme governance, risk management, analytical and reporting skills.
• Strong leadership, communication and relationship-building capabilities.
• Understanding of public-sector operations, statutory responsibilities and political governance.

Desirable: Experience within SEND, children's services, education, health or social care.

Additional Requirements: Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience, enhanced DBS clearance and a commitment to equality, inclusion and public service values.