Strategic Manager for SEND Commissioning & Assurance (Independent & Alternative Provision)

Overview

In this strategic role, you will lead commissioning, assurance and sufficiency for Independent and Alternative SEND provision across Hampshire. You’ll shape high-quality placements, improve sufficiency, and deliver value-for-money solutions in collaboration with cross-agency partners. Your leadership supports better outcomes for children and young people with SEND and strengthens local provision. This is a high-profile position focused on influencing provision and driving service improvement.

Pay / Benefits

• comprehensiveEmployee Assistance Programme
• generous annual leave entitlement
• occupational sick pay
• Local Government Pension Scheme

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end commissioning, contract management and quality assurance for independent and alternative SEND provision
• Develop commissioning strategies and innovative solutions to strengthen local provision and sufficiency
• Collaborate with providers, procurement, finance, legal and other partners to shape services and deliver commissioning solutions
• Drive market development, supplier engagement and commercial activity to secure best value
• Provide strategic oversight of provider performance, governance, and expenditure with a view to continuous improvement
• Lead strategic projects and service improvement initiatives aligning with SEND reforms and emerging needs, while building a high-performing team

Key requirements

• Experienced commissioner with strong SEND knowledge across INMSS, Independent Schools and Alternative Provision
• Proven track record in strategic and operational commissioning within complex environments
• Strong commercial acumen with understanding of category management and negotiation
• Ability to develop and deliver commissioning strategies that improve SEND outcomes
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and cross-agency relationship building
• Leadership and people management, analytical and decision-making abilities to translate priorities into delivery

• stakeholder engagement
• leadership
• analytical thinking
• commissioning
• category management
• contract management

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