Service Manager - Schools and Governance
The closing date is 14 January 2026
Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking leader to join its senior team as Service Manager for Schools and Governance. This vital role offers an exciting opportunity to ensure that our schools and settings have access to high quality governance and school improvement as well being a key liaison between the local authority and our educational establishments. Oxfordshire Central to the role will be a commitment to support our most vulnerable children and young people and to supporting our services to become more inclusive. As a Service Manager, you will take strategic responsibility for managing the workflow of governance and services for our schools across the County. Working collaboratively with colleagues, schools, multi-academy trusts, regulators and other key stakeholders, you will ensure that Oxfordshires education infrastructure keeps pace with the countys performance, standards and effectiveness, responding to ever changing demographic needs with efficacy.
Main duties of the job
You will lead on the organisation of school improvement , including our traded services programmes and respond innovatively to the deployment of advisors, partners and programmes across the county. This role requires an in-depth understanding of educational regulatory bodies such as Ofsted and its revised framework, a commitment to understanding the changing demands of schools and their communitys county wide. You will also be responsible for working closely with the Assistant Director on the financial portfolio picture of our schools across the county. Your ability to build strong partnerships and influence at the highest levels will be critical, as will your capacity to manage complex teams out in the field and ensure that governance at a statutory level is compliant and well managed. You will work closely with a wide range of stakeholders, balancing competing priorities and ensuring that Oxfordshires children and families benefit from the highest quality learning environments.
About us
This is a brand new but immensely rewarding role, offering the chance to make a real difference to the educational landscape in one of Englands most vibrant and dynamic counties. We are seeking an education leader who will drive a high-performance, cost-effective service that delivers outstanding educational outcomes. Everyday youll be challenged in a new way, supported by your team, in an organisation that is free thinking, flexible, and helps people achieve their ambitions. Were not afraid to do things differently and our dynamic culture means this is a place where new ideas are embraced, and innovation thrives. We believe that together, our differences make us stronger, and that diversity is the foundation for innovation. Here, you can create a unique career for yourself while raising the bar for the future of UK public services.
Details
Date posted
15 December 2025
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£68,143 to £71,574 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
VP35566635
Job locations
Oxford
OX1 1ND
Employer details
Employer name
Oxfordshire County Council
Address
Oxford
OX1 1ND
Employer's website
https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)



Employer contact details
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