Senior Commissioning Manager - Children and Families Commissioning Service (Lancashire)
Lancashire County Council is seeking an experienced Senior Commissioning Manager to join its Children and Families Commissioning Service. Based at County Hall, Preston, this is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled commissioning professional to lead and support the delivery of key commissioning priorities across Children and Families Services, with a particular focus on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in leading commissioning activity, driving strategic developments, and ensuring the effective delivery of services that improve outcomes for children, young people, and families. Working closely with health, education, social care, and wider partners, you will support the development and implementation of commissioning strategies, service transformation programmes, and partnership initiatives across the local area.
This role requires attendance at County Hall, Preston, for a minimum of two days per week, with additional office attendance as required. The initial contract is for 3 months, with the potential for extension through to 31st December 2026.
Main Duties:
* Lead and manage commissioning activity across Children and Families Services, with a strong focus on SEND commissioning priorities
* Develop and implement commissioning strategies, plans, and programmes that improve outcomes for children, young people, and families
* Work collaboratively with health, education, social care, and wider system partners to design and deliver effective commissioned services
* Provide strategic leadership and expertise in SEND commissioning and service development
* Support the delivery of key organisational priorities within challenging timescales and evolving service requirements
* Oversee service reviews, needs assessments, market analysis, and commissioning exercises
* Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, providers, and partner organisations
* Monitor commissioned services to ensure quality, value for money, and positive outcomes
* Lead contract management, performance monitoring, and continuous service improvement activities
* Prepare and present reports, briefings, business cases, and recommendations for senior leaders, boards, and partnership groups
* Support market development and engagement activities across the SEND sector
* Ensure commissioning activity complies with relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and council policies
* Contribute to transformation programmes and strategic developments across Children and Families Services
Requirements:
* Significant experience working within SEND commissioning, children's commissioning, or a senior commissioning management role
* Strong knowledge and understanding of SEND legislation, policy, statutory requirements, and commissioning frameworks
* Demonstrable experience working collaboratively with health and education partners
* Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and partnership-working skills
* Ability to manage complex programmes of work and deliver key priorities to tight deadlines
* Experience leading commissioning projects, service redesign, transformation, or improvement programmes
* Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
* Experience producing and presenting reports, business cases, and commissioning documentation to senior stakeholders
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
* Ability to work independently and provide strategic leadership within a multi-agency environment
* Availability to attend County Hall, Preston, a minimum of two days per week and as required by the service
Additional Information:
* Hybrid Working: Minimum 2 days per week in the office, plus additional attendance as required
* Contract Length: Initial 3 months
* Potential Extension: Up to 31st December 2026
* Interview Date: 18th June
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