Interim Senior Commissioner

Ackerman Pierce Ltd; Scotland; Hybrid; GBP 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Ackerman Pierce Ltd is looking for an Interim Senior Commissioning Manager to oversee SEND services in a Southwest England Local Authority. This role involves leading the commissioning process, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, all while working in a hybrid setting. Suitable candidates will have significant experience in children's services commissioning and the ability to drive immediate impact in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Personal consultant

Guaranteed weekly payments

DBS and Compliance service

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior commissioning role within children's services with a focus on SEND.
• Sound understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and relevant legislation.
• Confident in hybrid working environments with strong project management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead on commissioning SEND services ensuring quality and outcomes.
• Support the SEND improvement programme in collaboration with partners.
• Manage the commissioning cycle from needs analysis to procurement.

Skills

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Communication

Job description

Interim Senior Commissioning Manager - SEND
Hybrid Southwest England Local Authority
450 per day (umbrella)
Full-time 6-month contract (initially)

We're currently supporting a Southwest England Local Authority on the recruitment of an Interim Senior Commissioning Manager to play a key role in a specialist SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) project.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on the commissioning of SEND services across the local area, with a focus on outcomes, quality, and value for money.
• Support delivery of the authority's SEND improvement programme, working closely with education, health, and social care partners.
• Contribute to and implement commissioning strategies and market development plans that meet statutory responsibilities.
• Provide leadership and challenge within the commissioning cycle - from needs analysis to service design, procurement, and contract management.
• Build strong working relationships with internal teams, providers, families, and external stakeholders to ensure co-production and accountability.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in a senior commissioning role within children's services - ideally with a focus on SEND.
• Sound understanding of the SEND Code of Practice, relevant legislation, and inspection frameworks (e.g. Ofsted/CQC).
• Strong project management and analytical skills, with the ability to navigate complex systems.
• Confident working in a hybrid setting, with occasional on-site presence in Southwest England.
• Ability to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Why Choose Ackerman Pierce?

Ackerman Pierce calls upon over 15 years' worth of experience in recruiting directly into the Social Work Sector. We can offer a unique experience within recruitment where you have your own personal consultant, a DBS and Compliance service with a quick and easy registration process. We pride ourselves on a guaranteed weekly payment process.

To discuss this vacancy further or any other opportunities, please contact Elise Revett or email in your updated CV to us at Ackerman Pierce.