Programme Manager – Joint Commissioning Team

East Sussex County Council; Hastings; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

East Sussex County Council in Hastings is seeking a Programme Manager to lead commissioning, procurement and contract management across education, children's social care and health. You will drive contractual frameworks, SEND Brokerage and contract support, ensuring value for money and compliant processes.

You will collaborate with the Education Division and external partners, analyse data, manage budgets and deliver improvements in services for children and young people with additional needs.

Qualifications

• Hold an RQF Level 5 qualification in Contract Management, Commissioning or Project Management.
• Strong knowledge of contract management, commissioning, procurement frameworks and project management in health/education/social care.
• Ability to develop an evidence base using data, financial information and analysis to produce reports and recommendations.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, coaching and presentation skills for credible advice with partners.
• Ability to manage, prioritise and organise a demanding workload with deadlines and budgets.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and inclusive working environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage contractual frameworks, ensuring compliance with procurement, financial and HR regulations.
• Develop, manage and quality assure contract management and evaluation processes including SEND Brokerage and contract support.
• Support managers across the Education Division to use contractual frameworks effectively and maintain a high-quality external provider market.
• Build effective relationships with internal and external partners, including schools, stakeholders and partnership organisations.
• Lead and support operational delivery through analysis of data, financial information and commissioned service outcomes.
• Keep up to date with legislation, best practice and local/national initiatives and translate into practice.

Skills

Project management

Contract management

Procurement frameworks

Data analysis

Education

RQF Level 5 qualification in Contract Management/Commissioning/Project Management

Job description

Job Description

Do you want to lead commissioning, procurement and contract management work that helps improve outcomes for children and young people with additional needs and SEND? Then this Programme Manager role in our Joint Commissioning Team could be an excellent opportunity to use your project management, partnership and contract management expertise to make a meaningful difference across education, children’s social care and health.

The Education Division champions improved educational outcomes for all children and young people, particularly those who are vulnerable to underachievement. In this role, you will support the Joint Commissioning Team across education, children’s social care and health by leading project management for contractual processes, procurement frameworks, SEND Brokerage and contract support, and quality assurance activity. You will work closely with managers across the Division to ensure contracts are issued efficiently, frameworks are compliant, and commissioned services are outcome-focused and deliver value for money.

What you will be doing

• Lead and manage contractual frameworks, ensuring compliance with procurement, financial and HR regulations.
• Develop, manage and quality assure contract management and evaluation processes, including activity linked to SEND Brokerage and contract support.
• Support managers across the Education Division to use contractual frameworks effectively and maintain a high-quality external provider market.
• Build effective relationships with internal and external partners, including schools, County Councillors, stakeholders and partnership organisations.
• Lead and support operational delivery through robust analysis of data, financial information and commissioned service outcomes.
• Keep up to date with relevant legislation, best practice and local or national initiatives, translating these into effective practice where appropriate.

Candidate criteria

• Hold an RQF Level 5 qualification in Contract Management, Commissioning or Project Management in a health or social care setting, or have equivalent relevant experience.
• Have strong knowledge of contract management, commissioning, procurement frameworks and project management in a health, education or social care setting.
• Can develop an evidence base and use data, financial information and analysis to produce clear reports, arguments and recommendations.
• Have excellent interpersonal, communication, coaching and presentation skills, with the ability to give credible advice and work constructively with partners.
• Can manage, prioritise and organise a demanding workload, including competing deadlines and budget responsibilities.
• Are committed to equal opportunities, anti-discriminatory practice and contributing to an inclusive and supportive working environment.

We warmly welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented in our current workforce, including people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, disabled people and people from LGBTQ+ communities.

We are working towards recruiting a workforce that reflects our community, because we recognise the value of diverse perspectives and experiences.

We are committed to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice, and to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment.

Interviews will take place in person at our council offices in either Hastings or Lewes. Interviews will be taking place week commencing 14th September 2026. If you are unavailable on these dates let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date to interview you.

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the delivery of high-quality commissioned services across the Education Division. Working with a wide range of internal and external partners, you will influence service improvement, oversee contractual frameworks and support strategic priorities, while developing your leadership, commissioning and project management skills in a supportive environment.

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

Vocational Training through Apprenticeships is now available to our staff, ranging from entry level to degree level qualifications. You can talk to the hiring manager and the apprenticeship team about what qualifications would be relevant to you and this job role, and if it is possible to support you in apprenticeship training.

'I’ve worked with the council for over 10 years, and I stay here because I find it really rewarding. I know that I’m making a difference.' - Joe, Information Analyst

About Us

Additional Information

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record . Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.