Service Manager Commissioning (SEND) in Milton Keynes

Closing Date: 13/09/2026

Job Category: Children's Services

Service Area: Children's Services - Special Education Needs & Disabilities

Package Description:

• Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
• Excellent pension - everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
• A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support.
• Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
• Salary sacrifice car scheme - eligible employees can lease an electric or low-emission vehicle at a reduced cost through salary sacrifice, subject to National Minimum Wage and other eligibility requirements.
• Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.

Roles are either ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. Site based roles are mainly based at the workplace, with the option to work from home for up to two days a week, depending on service needs. Home based roles are mainly based at home, with the expectation of attending the workplace up to one day a week. The working arrangement for each role is set by the manager, based on service requirements.

Job Introduction:

We’re recruiting a Service Manager Commissioning (SEND) to join Milton Keynes City Council's Commissioning Team. Our HR team supports every colleague across Milton Keynes City Council, from recruitment and onboarding through to wellbeing, development and organisational change. We create the conditions for colleagues to feel supported, valued and able to thrive throughout their time at MKCC. Our work shapes the culture of the organisation and underpins the services delivered to residents. By investing in our people, we help the whole council deliver better outcomes for the city.

As Service Manager Commissioning, you’ll lead strategic commissioning activity across adult services, children’s services, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and housing. You’ll play a key role in shaping services, developing strong partnerships and ensuring commissioned services deliver high quality outcomes for local people. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, partners, providers and colleagues across the Council, helping to drive transformation, service improvement and integrated ways of working. This is a rewarding leadership role for an experienced commissioning professional who can combine strategic thinking with operational delivery and strong people management.

Site-Based role:

This is a Site-Based role, and you’ll be expected to work from the designated workplace. Interviews for this role will be held on 23rd September 2026.

We’re building a team that’s focused on making a real difference across our local area. Working with partners, services and communities, you’ll help bring people together, drive collaboration and support improvements that have a lasting impact. In this role, you’ll play an important part in delivering key priorities while ensuring our work stays aligned with both local needs and national expectations. It’s a chance to be part of meaningful, system-wide change where your contribution really matters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and delivery of commissioning strategies across adult services, children’s services, SEND and housing services.
• Develop strong partnerships across education, health, social care and wellbeing services to support integrated commissioning and improved outcomes for residents.
• Oversee commissioning activity, including needs analysis, service reviews, market development, procurement activity, contract monitoring and performance management.
• Provide expert advice, reports and recommendations to senior leaders, councillors, partner organisations and strategic boards.
• Lead, support and develop a team of commissioners, ensuring high standards of performance, accountability, learning and professional practice.
• Manage significant commissioning budgets and commissioned services, ensuring resources are used effectively and deliver value for money and positive outcomes.

Ideal Candidate:

• A relevant commissioning or equivalent degree qualification together with significant experience in a commissioning environment and evidence of continuing professional development.
• Proven experience of strategic planning, service development and delivering successful outcomes within complex organisations.
• Strong knowledge of commissioning practice, programme or project management and the legislative framework relating to SEND, education, health and social care services.
• A confident relationship builder who can work effectively with partners, providers, residents, families and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex information, develop solutions and influence decision-making at a strategic level.
• A dedicated, respectful and collaborative leader who can communicate complex information clearly, manage change positively and support colleagues to achieve their best.

About The Organisation:

Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live. We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference. We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative. We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.