At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commissioning for Children and Families Services, focusing on SEND priorities.
- Company: Lancashire County Council, dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, supportive environment, and potential contract extension until 2026.
- Other info: Join a team with over 10 years of experience in SEND and public sector recruitment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND commissioning and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Lancashire County Council is seeking an experienced Senior Commissioning Manager to join its Children and Families Commissioning Service. Based at County Hall, Preston, this is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled commissioning professional to lead and support the delivery of key commissioning priorities across Children and Families Services, with a particular focus on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in leading commissioning activity, driving strategic developments, and ensuring the effective delivery of services that improve outcomes for children, young people, and families. Working closely with health, education, social care, and wider partners, you will support the development and implementation of commissioning strategies, service transformation programmes, and partnership initiatives across the local area.
This role requires attendance at County Hall, Preston, for a minimum of two days per week, with additional office attendance as required. The initial contract is for 3 months, with the potential for extension through to 31st December 2026.
Main Duties:- Lead and manage commissioning activity across Children and Families Services, with a strong focus on SEND commissioning priorities.
- Develop and implement commissioning strategies, plans, and programmes that improve outcomes for children, young people, and families.
- Work collaboratively with health, education, social care, and wider system partners to design and deliver effective commissioned services.
- Provide strategic leadership and expertise in SEND commissioning and service development.
- Support the delivery of key organisational priorities within challenging timescales and evolving service requirements.
- Oversee service reviews, needs assessments, market analysis, and commissioning exercises.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, providers, and partner organisations.
- Monitor commissioned services to ensure quality, value for money, and positive outcomes.
- Lead contract management, performance monitoring, and continuous service improvement activities.
- Prepare and present reports, briefings, business cases, and recommendations for senior leaders, boards, and partnership groups.
- Support market development and engagement activities across the SEND sector.
- Ensure commissioning activity complies with relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and council policies.
- Contribute to transformation programmes and strategic developments across Children and Families Services.
- Significant experience working within SEND commissioning, children’s commissioning, or a senior commissioning management role.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of SEND legislation, policy, statutory requirements, and commissioning frameworks.
- Demonstrable experience working collaboratively with health and education partners.
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and partnership-working skills.
- Ability to manage complex programmes of work and deliver key priorities to tight deadlines.
- Experience leading commissioning projects, service redesign, transformation, or improvement programmes.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Experience producing and presenting reports, business cases, and commissioning documentation to senior stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and provide strategic leadership within a multi-agency environment.
- Availability to attend County Hall, Preston, a minimum of two days per week and as required by the service.
- Hybrid Working: Minimum 2 days per week in the office, plus additional attendance as required.
- Contract Length: Initial 3 months.
- Potential Extension: Up to 31st December 2026.
- Interview Date: 18th June.
To discuss this Senior Commissioning Manager – Children and Families Commissioning Service role, please contact Ella Hajittofis or send your updated CV today.
SEND Senior Commissioning Manager in Burnley employer: Ackerman Pierce Ltd
Lancashire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of children, young people, and families. With a strong focus on professional development and strategic leadership in SEND commissioning, employees benefit from meaningful work that directly impacts the community, alongside opportunities for growth and innovation within a dynamic public sector environment based in Preston.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Senior Commissioning Manager in Burnley
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Senior Commissioning Manager in Burnley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ackerman Pierce Ltd
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Ackerman Pierce Ltd.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Ackerman Pierce Ltd that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
