SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Salary: Gradd 10 - £48,226 - £51,356

About The Service
Cardiff's Education and Lifelong Learning Directorate is committed to delivering excellence and equity in education across the city. We work collaboratively with schools, governors, and communities to ensure every learner has access to high-quality teaching and inclusive learning environments. Our vision is aligned with the Council's Stronger, Fairer, Greener and Cardiff 2030 strategies, and we are proud to champion innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement across our education system.

About the job
This is an exciting opportunity to lead Cardiff's evolving School Improvement Model as the School Improvement and Development Manager (Interim - 1 year).

You will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of key functions including Governor Services and the Pupil Development Grant (PDG) Advisory function. The role is central to shaping and delivering Cardiff's school-to-school improvement strategy, supporting schools to collaborate, self-evaluate, and innovate.

You will work closely with headteachers, governors, and stakeholders to embed inclusive practices, raise standards in teaching and learning, and ensure alignment with national reforms and local priorities. This role also involves leading the development of Collaborative Learning Partnerships and supporting the professional development of school leaders.

Agile working is a key feature of this role, with a base at County Hall, Cardiff Bay, and regular engagement with schools across the city.

What We Are Looking For From You
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced educational leader with a strong track record in school improvement and strategic leadership. You will have:

• A relevant degree in education or a related field.
• Proven experience in senior leadership roles within educational settings.
• Deep understanding of evidence-based teaching practices, adaptive teaching, and digital learning strategies.
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and continuous professional development.
• Ability to build collaborative networks and lead change across diverse teams.

Welsh language skills or a commitment to learn are also welcomed, but not essential.

The role requires occasional evening work and travel across Cardiff. A full driving license and access to a car would be advantageous, but not essential.

Additional information
This post is temporary until 28/10/2026.

Internal candidates who wish to apply for this position on a secondment basis must obtain approval prior to application using Form SEC1 (4.C.081). Requests may only be approved by the relevant Director/ Assistant Director/ Chief Officer or senior nominated officer graded no lower than OM2 or in the case of schools based staff the Headteacher / Governing Body.

This vacancy is suitable for post share.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Safeguarding and Child Protection are key priorities for the Council. We aim to support children and vulnerable adults to ensure they are as safe as they can possibly be. Our services and schools are committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and vulnerable adults, and will take action to safeguard their well-being, and acknowledge that children and vulnerable adults have a right to protection. This is supported in the general ethos of the Council and all schools.

We understand you might use AI and other resources for your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, original and does not include ideas or work that is not your own.

We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.

Please note the Council does not accept CV's. When completing the supporting information section of your application, please ensure you refer to the below located on our website :

Important information you need read in order to complete your application: -

• Application Guidance
• Applying for jobs with us
• Behavioural Competency Framework

Additional Information: -

• Candidate Pack
• Employee Charter
• Recruitment of Ex-Offenders
• Privacy Notice

Atodiadau

• Job Description & Person Specification