Important: This role is being managed by our recruitment partner, Tile Hill. Applications must be submitted via Tile Hill’s Assistant Director for Inclusion and Education job page Applications made through this advert will not be considered.
At Suffolk County Council, we’re entering one of the most exciting periods in our journey to improve outcomes for children and young people. Over the last 18 months our Children and Young People’s Services have made significant strides – stabilising services, strengthening performance and rebuilding confidence across the system. Now we’re ready to take the next step.
With strong corporate backing, growing momentum, and renewed energy across our partnerships, this is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of education and skills in Suffolk, and make a lasting difference for children, young people, and families.
As our Assistant Director for Inclusion and Education, you’ll provide strategic leadership across education, skills development, and learning provision. You’ll lead service redesign, improvement programmes, and the integration of diverse educational functions, ensuring that Suffolk delivers high-quality, inclusive, and impactful learning experiences for all. You’ll also be responsible for driving innovation, embedding best practice, and translating strategic ambitions into tangible outcomes that benefit children and young people across the county.
We’re looking for a visionary and collaborative leader who can inspire confidence across schools, multi-academy trusts, colleges, training providers, and other partners. With strong financial and strategic acumen, you’ll have a proven track record of improving education and skills services, leading complex programmes, and managing change within large organisations.
This is a role with real influence. With national education reforms ahead and a strong Children and Young People’s leadership team in place, you’ll have the opportunity to help shape services for the future while consolidating the excellent progress already achieved.
You’ll work alongside talented and committed colleagues in a supportive leadership environment that values partnership, creativity, and high performance. Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to make a measurable, lasting impact on the lives of children, young people, and their families across Suffolk.
Join us and lead the next phase of Suffolk’s education and skills journey - help ensure every child and young person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
For more information
To find out more about these opportunities, or a confidential discussion about your suitability, please visit our Leadership Opportunities page and contact our retained recruitment consultants at Tile Hill:
How to apply
To apply for this role, you must submit your application through Tile Hill’s Assistant Director for Inclusion and Education job page
That page includes full details of the application requirements and provides an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments.
Closing date: 11:59pm on Sunday 17 May 2026.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk)
Reimagine the possibilities.
As one of the largest employers in Suffolk, we have a huge variety of exciting careers to offer people as keen to make a positive impact on the world around them as we are.
As a modern, flexible, and effective council, we’re driven to make a difference to the environment, the communities we serve, and the careers of our people. We explore innovative ways to encourage, respect, and enable everyone to be the best they can be.
By creating meaningful connections with our people and our partner organisations, we’ve built a culture of mutual collaboration, trust, and respect where everyone is supported to be their authentic selves.
We aim to inspire and empower. To improve and evolve. To develop and innovate. To take pride and ownership of the world around us and ensure that we leave a positive and lasting legacy. That’s why it’s time to reimagine a career with the council and take a fresh look at what we can offer you.
