Strategic Lead - Education & Learning / Chief Education Officer

Job Description

Strategic Lead - Education & Learning / Chief Education Officer
£109,285
2 High Street, Perth

Perth and Kinross is one of the most scenic and diverse local authority areas which spans some of the most remote and spectacular Highland landscapes anywhere in Scotland, with many villages and towns across the region and Perth City at its heart. ​Around 21,000 children and young people attend early years, primary, secondary and special schools/settings across the Council area. Approximately 6000 children are living in urban and rural poverty.

The current phase of transformation and change underway, will enable Perth & Kinross Council to evolve, ensuring that the needs of the individuals and communities we serve are met, particularly those in greatest need. To help take us we need a strong, passionate and compassionate leader who will lead diverse and ambitious teams in our Education and Learning service.​

​We are looking for an exceptional individual who is ambitious, driven and resilient, with a high degree of professional knowledge and the ability to motivate, inspire and develop their teams to deliver excellent services.​

​Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership to a variety of teams who deliver our early learning and childcare and education services. You will work collaboratively as part of the Strategic Leadership Team, with Elected Members and other Strategic Leads, and with partners, both inside and outside the organisation, to deliver on the seven corporate priorities. ​

​As a senior leader who is driven by our values of ambition, compassion and integrity, you will lead and inspire others, working collaboratively to achieve our vision of making Perth and Kinross a place where everyone lives life well, free from poverty and inequality.

The Strategic Lead – Education and Learning is responsible for the leadership, effective management and performance of Education and Learning services within Perth and Kinross in support of the Council’s vision and inter-connected corporate priorities: -

• Tackling poverty
• Tackling climate change and supporting sustainable places
• Developing a resilient, stronger and greener local economy
• Enabling our children and young people to achieve their full potential Protecting and caring for our most vulnerable people
• Supporting and promoting physical and mental wellbeing
• Working in partnership with communities

As Strategic Lead you will jointly lead on the corporate priority - Enabling our children and young people to achieve their full potential alongside the Strategic Lead – Children, Families & Justice.

As Strategic Lead - Education and Learning, you have the lead accountability for leading and managing the following services:

• Early Learning and Childcare Services, including the childcare strategy team
• Primary, Secondary and Inclusion Services
• Education central support services, including Educational psychology Service
• Parent and Family Support Team
• Developing Young Workforce
• Instrumental Music Services
• Gaelic Education and Gaelic Development

Responsibilities

Beyond leading the Council’s Education and Learning Services, you will operate as part of the Council’s Strategic Leadership Team, supporting the Council, Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team to deliver our vision and corporate priorities.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership for Education & Learning services, working in collaboration with colleagues across the Council, partners, and all who use our services.

You will provide professional advice to the Council on the provision of education functions with a focus on raising attainment for all, promoting equity in education and improving the quality of teaching and learning across all schools.

You will act as the Council’s professional lead in all matters relating to Education and Learning on a local, regional and national level.

This is a vital role where you will have the opportunity to direct and influence change, making a positive impact on our children, young people and their families across Perth and Kinross. The role will offer you a rewarding career and provide the opportunity to work with dedicated teams who deliver high quality services daily to a diverse community.

The Individual

For an informal discussion, please contact Thomas Glen, Chief Executive, via email - chiefexec@pkc.gov.uk

Please APPLY ONLINE.  Facilities are available at all public libraries in Perth and Kinross.  If you have a disability and require reasonable adjustments, please call 01738 475555 to discuss.

When completing your application for this post, please ensure that you provide contact details (including e-mail addresses) for two referees. One should be your current or most recent employer.

As part of our safer recruitment measures, any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of mandatory checks including eligibility to work in the UK, Disclosure Scotland or PVG, qualifications, references, and fitness to undertake the post. This may also include an Overseas Criminal Records Check if you have spent time living overseas.

A healthy work life balance is important to Perth & Kinross Council and we provide supportive management and flexible working arrangements to help you achieve a healthy work life balance. You will have access to training and support for continued professional development.

Some jobs may have been traditionally carried out predominately by one gender, but we would encourage you to apply if you meet the requirements, irrespective of your gender. 

Perth & Kinross Council welcomes applications from former armed forces personnel/reservists. Many of the skills picked up during your military career could be transferred directly into a role with local government.

At PKC our values and behaviours influence our work and support us in the delivery of the Perth and Kinross Offer. In your application, and should you be invited to interview, you will be asked to describe situations that support the criteria required in the role and which also demonstrate our values and behaviours. Find out more about PKC and you could soon be joining our team!

Find out more about working for Perth & Kinross Council and living in one of the most scenic areas of Scotland here.

What we can do for you

If you are successful in a role with Perth & Kinross Council, you will have access to a range of benefits to help your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.