Senior SEND Strategy & Commissioning Lead (0-25)

London Borough of Ealing; Greater London; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

London Borough of Ealing is seeking a Strategic Commissioning Lead (SEND 0-25) to shape SEND provision and drive sustainable commissioning across the 0-25 spectrum. The role leads sufficiency planning, specialist placements, and related services, engaging schools, trusts, health partners and social care to improve outcomes.

You will provide strategic guidance, manage complex budgets and ensure delivery aligns with statutory responsibilities and national SEND reforms. Interview dates forthcoming.

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in local government, education, or children’s services.
• Strong track record in strategic commissioning and SEND services.
• Extensive knowledge of SEND legislation and local authority responsibilities.
• Experience in sufficiency planning, specialist placements and provision development.
• Expertise in procurement, contract management and provider performance improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across SEND commissioning and service development.
• Lead SEND sufficiency planning, specialist place planning and AP commissioning.
• Oversee NMISS, Post-16 pathways, and alternative provision commissioning.
• Lead market development, provider engagement and quality assurance.
• Ensure compliance with statutory SEND responsibilities and national reforms.
• Advise senior leaders and elected members on commissioning strategies.

Skills

Strategic leadership

SEND expertise

Budgeting & forecasting

Contract management

Provider engagement

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Partnership building

Political awareness

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

London Borough of Ealing is seeking a Strategic Commissioning Lead (SEND 0-25) to shape SEND provision and drive sustainable commissioning across the 0-25 spectrum. The role leads sufficiency planning, specialist placements, and related services, engaging schools, trusts, health partners and social care to improve outcomes.

You will provide strategic guidance, manage complex budgets and ensure delivery aligns with statutory responsibilities and national SEND reforms. Interview dates forthcoming.