At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic commissioning for SEND, ensuring quality and value for children and families.
- Company: Cheshire East Council, dedicated to community wellbeing and positive change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and employee assistance programmes.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping future services.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning and strategy development in public service.
The predicted salary is between 54994 - 54994 £ per year.
At Cheshire East Council we are resident and partner focused with a vision to enable prosperity and wellbeing for all. People really are at the heart of everything we do and that starts with our incredible workforce. We promote a culture of high performance where people can aspire, thrive and flourish, where we strive to deliver best value in everything we do. For us, success isn’t just about what we achieve, but how we achieve it together. We promote curiosity, excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.
We are values led and committed to wellbeing and inclusion for all, where our employees co-created our values of drive, integrity, respect and collaboration which inform all that we do. We are proud to work for Cheshire East Council and believe you would be too! Join us on a meaningful journey in Children’s Social Care at Cheshire East Council.
We’re on a meaningful journey in Children’s Social Care and we’d love for you to be part of it. Joining us means becoming part of a supportive, forward-thinking team that’s passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people. Everything we do is about putting them first, helping them grow, thrive and reach their full potential so they can build brighter futures. If this sounds like the kind of impact you want to make, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Come and join us in shaping positive change for our young people.
At Cheshire East we’re making significant, tangible investments in our foundations. This includes strengthening our commissioning function, expanding workforce development and creating clearer, more ambitious pathways. To realise these ambitions, we’re seeking experienced, flexible individuals who want to help us shape the future.
About the Role:
- Provide strategic portfolio leadership for commissioning across SEND.
- Act as the strategic portfolio lead for defined commissioning areas (e.g. SEND), with clear accountability for outcomes, quality, sufficiency and spend.
- Matrix work across CSC and joint commissioning programmes.
- Develop, deliver and periodically refresh portfolio commissioning and joint commissioning strategies and action plans aligned to statutory duties, system priorities and the Council’s commissioning framework.
- Lead needs assessment, demand and sufficiency analysis for the portfolio, using data and intelligence to shape commissioning intentions, market interventions and business cases.
- Shape and manage provider markets, including development of market position statements, frameworks and regional commissioning arrangements, and proactive engagement with independent and VCS providers.
- Lead complex procurement, contracting and negotiation activity within the portfolio, ensuring compliance with public procurement law and achievement of value for money and social value.
- Oversee contract management and performance assurance for commissioned services, working closely with QA colleagues to address underperformance, safeguarding concerns and provider failure.
The successful candidate will bring:
- Degree or equivalent experience in commissioning, public service or related field.
- Substantial experience of commissioning services for children and young people.
- Demonstrable experience of strategy development, market management, contracting and performance within a complex public-sector environment.
- Extensive understanding of the commissioning cycle.
- Demonstrable knowledge of SEND Code of Practice, Children Act duties, and procurement regulations.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding expectations and quality assurance principles.
- Application of needs assessment, outcomes-based commissioning benefits realisation and options appraisal techniques.
What we offer in return:
- A competitive salary - Between £54,994 per annum - £62,777 per annum with guaranteed yearly pay increases!
- Enhanced annual leave - Start with an impressive 34 days of annual leave (including bank holidays) from day one, and watch it grow to 39 days after just five years of service.
- Purchase of annual leave - Want more time off? You can purchase up to 10 extra days of annual leave each year, giving you the flexibility to balance work and life just the way you want (Pro-rata for part-time staff).
- Flexible working pattern - Enjoy a 37-hour standard full-time work week with the added perks of flexitime and hybrid/remote working arrangements where possible.
- Salary sacrifice green car scheme - Drive green and save green! Lease a brand-new electric or hybrid car through our salary sacrifice scheme.
- White goods salary sacrifice scheme - Upgrade your home with ease. Purchase home and electronic items through our salary sacrifice scheme.
- Enhanced public pension - Secure your future with our career average pension.
- Cycle to work scheme - Save up to 25-39% on the retail price of bikes and safety equipment.
- Employee assistance programme - Access a completely free and confidential assistance service.
- Discounted gym membership - Stay active and healthy with corporate membership prices for Everybody Leisure.
As an equal opportunities employer, we warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We believe that a diverse workforce helps us better reflect and serve our local communities, and together, we can build something truly special.
Senior Commissioning Manager – SEND (E3755) (Full Time) in Crewe employer: New Start
New Start is an exceptional employer located in Chelmsford, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With 27 days of holiday and participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme, we provide our team with valuable benefits while fostering an environment that encourages mentorship and collaboration among ecologists. Join us to make a meaningful impact on complex development projects in a dynamic and rewarding setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commissioning Manager – SEND (E3755) (Full Time) in Crewe
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like New Start, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like New Start and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commissioning Manager – SEND (E3755) (Full Time) in Crewe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for New Start and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at New Start
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with New Start, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for New Start.
