Senior Joint Commissioning Manager (Children & SEND) – Hybrid

Cheshire East Council; Crewe; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

34 days annual leave

Hybrid/remote working where possible

Salary sacrifice schemes

Enhanced pension

Bike to work scheme

Employee assistance programme

Discounted gym membership

Job summary

Cheshire East Council is seeking a Senior Commissioning Manager – Joint Commissioning to lead strategic commissioning across Children’s Social Care and SEND, translating priorities into deliverable plans that improve outcomes for children and families. The role requires strong experience in needs assessment, market engagement, and complex procurement.

The successful candidate will drive joint commissioning strategies, manage provider markets, and ensure governance, value for money, and

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in commissioning, public service or related field.
• Substantial experience of commissioning services for children and young people.
• Demonstrable experience of strategy development, market management, contracting and performance within a complex public-sector environment.
• Extensive understanding of the commissioning cycle.
• Knowledge of SEND Code of Practice, Children Act duties, and procurement regulations.
• Strong safeguarding understanding and quality assurance principles.
• Experience applying needs assessment, outcomes-based commissioning, benefits realisation and options appraisal techniques.

Responsibilities

• Act as the strategic portfolio lead for joint commissioning with accountability for outcomes, quality, sufficiency and spend.
• Develop, deliver and refresh portfolio commissioning and joint commissioning strategies and action plans.
• Lead needs assessment, demand and sufficiency analysis to shape commissioning intentions and business cases.
• Shape and manage provider markets, including market position statements and regional arrangements, engaging with providers.
• Lead complex procurement, contracting and negotiation to ensure value for money and social value.
• Oversee contract management and performance assurance, addressing underperformance and safeguarding concerns.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Joint commissioning

Market management

Procurement governance

Performance management

Education

Degree or equivalent in commissioning/public service

Job description

Cheshire East Council is seeking a Senior Commissioning Manager – Joint Commissioning to lead strategic commissioning across Children’s Social Care and SEND, translating priorities into deliverable plans that improve outcomes for children and families. The role requires strong experience in needs assessment, market engagement, and complex procurement.

The successful candidate will drive joint commissioning strategies, manage provider markets, and ensure governance, value for money, and