At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the commissioning of high-quality SEND services for children and young people.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on improving outcomes for SEND across Lancashire.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and influence.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with SEND while shaping future services.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND commissioning, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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.
Senior SEND Commissioning Manager in Preston employer: We Do Social Work
Join us as a Senior SEND Commissioning Manager in Lancashire, where you will have the unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Our supportive and collaborative work culture fosters professional growth, offering flexible hybrid working arrangements and a competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave and a Local Government Pension Scheme. Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality services that truly meet the diverse needs of our communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior SEND Commissioning Manager in Preston
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by We Do Social Work.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like We Do Social Work.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at We Do Social Work.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at We Do Social Work. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior SEND Commissioning Manager in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of We Do Social Work. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Senior SEND Commissioning Manager, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at We Do Social Work
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of We Do Social Work. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
