Job Description

Senior Commissioning Manager (Educational Needs Specialist) SEND
Working Hours: Full-time
Duration: Initial 3-month contract, with the potential for extension until 31 December 2026

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Commissioning Manager (Educational Needs Specialist) to join the Children and Families Commissioning Service. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and support key commissioning priorities across Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ensuring high-quality services are delivered for children, young people, and their families.

The successful candidate must be able to attend the office at least two days per week, as well as additional days when required to meet service needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support strategic SEND commissioning activities across the Children and Families Commissioning Service.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with key stakeholders, particularly across health and education sectors.
• Drive delivery of commissioning priorities, ensuring outcomes are achieved within agreed timescales.
• Manage competing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and review of commissioning strategies and service improvements.
• Ensure commissioning activity aligns with statutory requirements and best practice within SEND services.

Essential Requirements

• Strong knowledge and experience of SEND commissioning.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with partners, particularly within health and education.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Demonstrable experience of delivering key priorities and outcomes to tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to wider service objectives.

Why Apply?

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, working within a committed and collaborative commissioning team.

If you have the expertise, drive, and partnership-working skills required to succeed in this role, we would welcome your application.