Bedford Borough is delivering an ambitious SEND transformation programme, bringing together education, health and care partners to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

We are seeking an experienced Senior Programme Manager to lead Bedford’s Local SEND Reform Plan and major transformation initiatives, turning strategic ambitions into sustained improvements across mainstream inclusion, financial stability and specialist SEND services.

Working with senior leaders across education, health and care, you will lead complex workstreams, manage delivery, risks and dependencies, provide challenge and quality assurance, and use data to monitor impact. You will lead a programme team, work with external partners and ensure delivery aligns with government requirements and the SEND Strategy.

We offer:
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Opportunity to lead major transformation across education, health and care
• Varied work with senior leaders and external partners
• CPD opportunities and a supportive team
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave

To join us, you will:
• Hold a degree-level qualification and have 4+ years’ experience managing complex programmes in health, education or care
• Have experience leading change, transformation or continuous improvement
• Have strong programme/project management skills, including risks, dependencies and competing priorities
• Have experience working strategically across organisations and professional groups
• Be confident providing challenge and resolving issues

How to apply

When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions.  The application questions require a yes/no response.  Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria.  An optional CV template is provided below. 

Closing Date: 9th October 2026 

Interview Date: 22nd October 2026 

Please note:

The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of:

• a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving)

• a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only)  unless the appointment is business critical

For further information, please email recruitment.team@bedford.gov.uk

Guaranteed interview schemes

Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for.  Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for. 

Visa Sponsorship

Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.