Job Description

Senior Commissioning Manager (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities – SEND)

Location: Lancashire (Hybrid Working)

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2 days per week in the office, 3 days remote

Make a Difference for Children and Young People Across Lancashire

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Commissioning Manager – SEND to lead the commissioning and development of high-quality services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across Lancashire.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape provision, influence strategic partnerships, and ensure children and families receive the right support at the right time. Working within a dynamic commissioning environment, you will play a key role in delivering improved outcomes, value for money, and sustainable services that meet the diverse needs of Lancashire's communities.

About the Role

As Senior Commissioning Manager, you will provide leadership for SEND commissioning activity across education, health, and social care, ensuring services are responsive, evidence-based, and aligned with statutory responsibilities.

You will work closely with senior leaders, providers, schools, health partners, families, and stakeholders to develop commissioning strategies, manage complex programmes, and drive continuous improvement across SEND provision.

Key responsibilities will include:

Leading the strategic commissioning of SEND services and provision across Lancashire.

Developing and implementing commissioning strategies informed by needs analysis, market intelligence, and stakeholder engagement.

Managing complex commissioning programmes and projects from design through to implementation and evaluation.

Building strong relationships with education providers, health partners, social care colleagues, and voluntary sector organisations.

Supporting the development of sustainable local provision that improves outcomes and reduces reliance on high-cost placements where appropriate.

Leading market development activities and ensuring sufficient, high-quality provision is available to meet current and future demand.

Managing budgets and ensuring effective use of resources while delivering value for money.

Monitoring provider performance and ensuring compliance with contractual and quality requirements.

Contributing to SEND transformation programmes and strategic planning initiatives.

Providing expert advice to senior leaders, elected members, and partner organisations.

About You

We are looking for a highly motivated commissioning professional with significant experience working within SEND, education, children's services, health, or local government environments.

You will have:

Essential Criteria

Significant experience in commissioning, service development, or programme management within SEND, education, children's services, health, or a related field.

Strong understanding of SEND legislation, policy, and statutory responsibilities, including the SEND Code of Practice.

Experience leading complex commissioning projects and delivering service transformation.

Demonstrable experience of partnership working across education, health, social care, and other stakeholders.

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and inform strategic decision-making.

Experience managing budgets, contracts, and provider performance.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Ability to lead, influence, and drive change in complex environments.

Desirable Criteria

Knowledge of local authority commissioning frameworks and procurement processes.

Experience of market shaping and provider development.

Relevant professional qualification or degree-level education.

Programme or project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2, MSP, APM).

What We Offer

Flexible hybrid working arrangement with 2 office days per week.

Opportunity to influence and improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND across Lancashire.

Supportive and collaborative working environment.

Professional development and learning opportunities.

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Generous annual leave entitlement.

Local Government Pension Scheme.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND and have the strategic commissioning expertise to drive meaningful change, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape the future of SEND services across Lancashire