Pupil Place Planning Manager

Walsall Council is seeking an experienced and confident Pupil Place Planning Manager to lead the strategic planning and delivery of sufficient school places across the borough. This is a key role within the Access service, supporting the Council's statutory responsibilities for early years, primary, secondary, post-16 and specialist provision.

The postholder will provide specialist advice, analyse and interpret complex data, prepare pupil forecasts, lead school organisation and sufficiency planning, and work closely with schools, senior leaders, elected members, the DfE and other partners. The role also includes managing staff, leading consultations, supporting capital projects, and ensuring services are delivered effectively, within budget and in line with statutory requirements.

We are looking for someone with strong knowledge of education legislation, school organisation, admissions and sufficiency planning, alongside proven experience of using data to inform strategic decisions. You will be an effective communicator and leader, able to build productive relationships, manage competing priorities, resolve complex issues and present clear advice to a range of audiences.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and solution-focused professional to play a leading role in shaping education provision across Walsall and ensuring children and young people have access to the right school places, in the right locations, at the right time.

This post is covered by the Government's Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.

At Walsall Council, we appreciate that AI can be a useful tool for ideas or guidance. However, we encourage you to make sure your application reflects your own voice and experiences. Over-reliance on AI can make responses feel less personal, and we really want to understand what makes you unique. Your experiences, skills, and perspective are what set you apart, so please ensure your application as a whole - particularly your 'Supporting Information' - reflects your own voice., Walsall Council's Children's Services are the only Ofsted 'Outstanding' local authority in the Black Country. During a visit in May 2025, Inspectors described Walsall Council as a place where children were at the heart of. The council's journey of continuous improvement started in 2017 and has since transformed into a service with a clear vision, clear priorities and a clear plan, all informed by the views of our staff and children. Staff are at the core of delivering great outcomes for children and young people in Walsall, which is underpinned by our Walsall Right 4 Children vision. The latest Ofsted inspection demonstrated that staff in children's services are proud to work for Walsall Council and feel supported to do great work.