EDUC 5936 - Head of Education (Learning Estate and School Support) 600768

ACTUAL CLOSING DATE: Applications must be received by Sunday, 29 November 2026 at 11.55pm.

Please do not submit a CV, they do not form part of our application process and will be disregarded.

INTERNAL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY VIA OPPORTUNITY MARKETPLACE.

Location: Council Headquarters, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA

Hours: 35 per week

Work Pattern: Monday - Friday

Salary : £120,042 - £124,823

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and strategic leader to play a key role in shaping and delivering high-quality education services. Reporting directly to the Executive Director (Education Resources), you will provide operational leadership and drive the strategic development of a diverse and critical portfolio that supports the delivery of education across the authority.

We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking professional to support the Executive Director (Education Resources) in the strategic leadership and operational management of key education support functions.

This pivotal role will lead the Support Services and Learning Estate teams, ensuring the effective planning, governance and delivery of resources across the Education Service. Working closely with senior colleagues, schools and partner organisations, you will help shape and deliver services that support positive outcomes for children and young people.

Key areas of responsibility include workforce planning, school enrolment and placing requests, digital and data strategy, sustainability, school transport, and corporate governance functions including health and safety, risk management, complaints and information governance.

This is an excellent opportunity for an inspiring leader to make a significant impact on the future of education services and the communities we serve.

View the Head of Education (Learning Estate and School Support) job profile

View the Head of Education (Learning Estate and School Support) Recruitment Pack

Please answer the following questions as part of your application submission, your answers should be uploaded under supporting documents:

Question 1 – Strategic Leadership and Resource Management

Please describe how you have provided strategic leadership in the planning, allocation, and governance of resources within a large and complex public sector organisation.

Question 2 – Partnership Working and Service Improvement

Please provide evidence of your experience in leading and developing services through effective collaboration with senior leaders, elected members, partner organisations and other key stakeholders.

Question 3 – Governance, Compliance and Operational Excellence

Please provide an example of how you have led the development, implementation and continuous improvement of governance and operational processes within a public sector setting.

All correspondence will be via the email address you provide on your application.

Preferred candidates identified after the selection event process will be required to assist the recruitment team, if need be, to ensure timely completion of recruitment checks. If recruitment checks are not completed within a reasonable timescale, you may automatically be withdrawn from this position.

Canvassing of Elected Members or employees of South Lanarkshire's Council directly or indirectly in connection with any appointment within the Council shall disqualify the applicant.

Legislative Information

• This post has been politically restricted in terms of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and Local Government Officers (Political Restrictions) Regulations 1990.
• This post is excepted in terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Scotland Act 2020.
• This post is considered a Regulated Role with Children and/or Adults, in respect of the Disclosure Scotland Act 2020. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children and/or Adults.
• Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check, prior to a formal offer of employment being made.
• Please refer to http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk for further information about the disclosure process and best practice.

Overseas Criminal Records Check

An Overseas Criminal Records Check is required where applicants born outside the UK (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or who have lived or worked outside the UK for a continuous period of 12 months in the past 10 years.

Applicants are responsible for providing evidence of the Overseas Criminal Record Check. The check must be translated into English and should come from the police, judicial authority, government department or home embassy of the country or countries concerned. The check must include an official statement confirming that the applicant does not have any history of or pending criminal record proceedings. Checks may be carried out to authenticate the documents provided.

Equal Opportunities and Inclusion statement

The Council is committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion in its workforce. Therefore, we welcome applications from all sectors of the community, including under-represented groups within our workforce. We are keen to receive applications from candidates who have a disability, who are from a care experienced background, who are from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background, from a military service background and from those who are new Scots.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria as outlined in the job profile for this position.

As proud holders of the UK Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, the Council is also committed to supporting members of the armed forces community, including service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families. In line with this commitment, service leavers, their close family members, veterans and reservists will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria as outlined in the job profile

As an employee of South Lanarkshire Council, you would also receive a wide range of benefits including:

Enrolment in award winning local government pension scheme

To increase the value of their pension pot, Local Government Employees can opt to join the Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme.

Up to 33 days annual leave

Public holiday entitlement (up to 10 days)

Occupational sick pay

Family friendly policies - flexible working and leave, maternity/paternity leave enhanced leave.

Employee Discounts – including discounts at the cinema.

Range of benefits to support you (Cycle to Work Scheme, Physiotherapy, Employee Assistance Program which offers practical and emotional support)