Children’s Services is seeking a dynamic professional with extensive experience in operating within robust contractual arrangements to oversee its SEND Placement Commissioning.
About the role
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced SEND Placement Commissioning Manager. This role will take an operational lead in commissioning placements and services for all children and young people with disabilities or special educational needs. They will be responsible for ensuring the effective commissioning of high-quality services in collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders, including children and young people and market providers.
The post holder will develop, shape, and deliver an overarching programme to meet the needs of children and young people and ensure that the Local Authority has access to sufficient and suitable high-quality placements. They will promote an appropriate culture, empower others, demonstrate high practice standards, ensure effective quality assurance and contract monitoring, and that commissioning activity delivers good value for money.
The Role
Key Responsibilities:
1. Work with Business Intelligence and Procurement colleagues to deliver sufficient and appropriate numbers of local SEND places to meet demand.
2. Explore creative solutions to support as many children as possible within North Somerset.
3. Partner with delivery managers to realize organizational vision and outcomes through integrated planning and resource flexibility.
4. Ensure best value from all SEND placements in independent and out-of-district provision via contract management and performance monitoring.
5. Implement strategies to meet pupil placement needs within the district, reducing out-of-area and independent placements.
6. Build strong relationships with parents, carers, and partners to optimize resource use.
7. Promote and realize the Council’s aims, vision, and core values.
This position is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Work Style
North Somerset Council offers a hybrid working environment based on four work styles. During induction, more office presence may be required. We are flexible and open to discussing your preferred working style, with options to work more in-office if desired.
This role falls into the Flexible Worker category, expected to work:
* 2-3 days in the office
* Both from home and the office, depending on tasks
* Training will support work-life balance and effective communication for team collaboration
About You
We seek an individual passionate about SEND commissioning with the following skills and experience:
Essential Criteria:
* Degree-level education or equivalent professional development in commissioning or procurement management
* Thorough understanding of relevant legislative frameworks and policy developments
* Experience in contracts and commissioning within local government or adaptable sector experience, managing end-to-end commissioning processes
* Experience engaging stakeholders to set priorities and scope commissioning activities
* Child-centred, outcomes-driven approach to commissioning
* Strong partnership and influence skills
* Ability to operate effectively within a local government context (legal, financial, political)
What We Offer
North Somerset Council provides a supportive, inclusive environment with benefits including:
* Competitive salary and benefits
* Flexible working arrangements
* Local Government Pension
* Professional development opportunities
* Inclusive staff groups
* Additional annual leave options
* In-house Wellbeing Team
* Salary sacrifice schemes for cycling and electric vehicles
Further details are in our Benefits booklet.
How to Apply
If aligned with our vision and values, apply online by 11.59pm on the closing date. Please detail how you meet the essential criteria in your application.
Contact Information
For more information, contact Finley Kidd, SEND Commissioning Manager at 01934 426839 or Sally Varley, Head of Strategic Place Planning & Capital Programmes at 07917 587280.
Important Information
As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee interviews for all disabled applicants meeting the criteria.
Interview Date: Wednesday 25th June and Friday 27th June 2025
Note: We can only accept applications from candidates with full UK work permission; sponsorship is not available.
Equal Opportunities
We promote equality and prevent discrimination across all aspects of employment. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, expecting all staff to share this commitment.
We may close or extend this advertisement depending on application volume.
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