Head of Service – SEND & Education Commissioning in London

Head of Service – SEND & Education Commissioning in London

London Full-Time No working from home possible
Baltimore Consulting

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic commissioning for SEND and education services, influencing outcomes for children and young people.
  • Company: Dynamic organisation focused on impactful education and SEND services.
  • Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid working, and immediate start.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping service quality and sustainability.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in SEND or education commissioning with budget oversight skills.

12-week contract | Immediate start
£500 per day
Inside IR35 (via umbrella)
Hybrid working

Are you an experienced leader ready to step into a high-impact interim role? You will take ownership of a critical service area, leading strategic commissioning across SEND and education provision. You will influence outcomes for children and young people while managing complex stakeholder relationships, delivering value for money, and ensuring statutory compliance. This is a fast-paced environment where your expertise will directly shape service quality and sustainability.

Your role:

  • Lead strategic commissioning across SEND and education services
  • Drive budget management and ensure robust contract performance
  • Deliver value for money and ensure sufficiency across the local offer
  • Build and manage key stakeholder relationships with schools, providers and families
  • Provide expert advice to senior leaders and elected officials

Your experience:

  • Proven senior leadership experience within SEND or education commissioning
  • Strong track record of strategic commissioning and budget oversight
  • In-depth knowledge of the SEND statutory framework and relevant legislation
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder environments
  • Background in local authority settings delivering impactful outcomes

This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a visible leadership role with immediate impact. With a quick turnaround and strong day rate, this position will not be on the market for long—early applications are highly encouraged.

Our clients are passionate about creating and evolving a diverse workforce and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant. Recruiting decisions are based on your experience and skills. Any reasonable adjustments in the workplace will be fully supported during the application and hiring process.

Head of Service – SEND & Education Commissioning in London employer: Baltimore Consulting

As a leading authority in SEND and education commissioning, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our supportive environment, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements. Join us in this pivotal role and be part of a team dedicated to delivering high-quality services and driving positive change in the community.

Baltimore Consulting

Contact Details:

Baltimore Consulting Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Service – SEND & Education Commissioning in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the SEND and education sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation’s current challenges and successes in SEND. Tailor your responses to show how your experience can directly address their needs. We want you to shine!

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've influenced outcomes in previous roles. Highlight your ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships—this is key for the Head of Service role.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals ready to make an impact in SEND and education commissioning.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service – SEND & Education Commissioning in London

Strategic Commissioning
Budget Management
Contract Performance Management
Stakeholder Relationship Management
SEND Statutory Framework Knowledge
Legislative Compliance
Leadership Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Service role. Highlight your experience in SEND and education commissioning, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you’ve influenced outcomes and managed budgets!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your strategic commissioning experience and how you've built relationships with stakeholders. We love a good story!

Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of the SEND statutory framework and relevant legislation in your application. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff and can navigate complex environments with ease. Don’t hold back on your expertise!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s quick and easy, and ensures your application gets to us directly. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our platform!

How to prepare for a job interview at Baltimore Consulting

Know Your SEND Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on the SEND statutory framework and relevant legislation. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics, but that you truly understand the complexities involved in education commissioning.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of your previous leadership experiences, especially in managing complex stakeholder relationships. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you navigated them—this will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Budget Management is Key

Be ready to discuss your experience with budget oversight and contract performance. Highlight any strategies you've implemented to ensure value for money and sufficiency across local offers, as this is crucial for the role.

Engage with Stakeholders

Think about how you would build and manage relationships with schools, providers, and families. Prepare to share your approach to stakeholder engagement and how you’ve successfully influenced outcomes in the past.