Strategic Manager for SEND Commissioning & Assurance (Independent & Alternative Provision)

Hampshire County Council; Winchester; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Assured EAP

Generous annual leave

Occupational sick pay

LGPS

Job summary

Hampshire County Council is seeking a Strategic Manager for SEND Commissioning & Assurance (Independent & Alternative Provision) to lead commissioning and ensure high-quality SEND provision across Hampshire. This leadership role requires strategic vision, strong commercial acumen and effective multi-agency collaboration to secure value for money and positive outcomes.

You will oversee INMSS, Independent Schools and Alternative Provision, driving improvements, market development and governance

Qualifications

• Experienced commissioner with SEND landscape knowledge.
• Experience leading strategic and operational commissioning.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver commissioning strategies.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement across multi-agency partnerships.
• Leadership and people management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end commissioning, contract management and QA of independent and alternative SEND provision.
• Develop commissioning strategies to strengthen local provision and sufficiency.
• Collaborate with providers, procurement, finance, legal and partners to shape services.
• Drive market development and supplier engagement for best value.
• Provide governance over provider performance and expenditure.
• Lead strategic projects and develop a high-performing team.

Skills

SEND landscape

Strategic commissioning

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Job description

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Strategic Manager for SEND Commissioning & Assurance (Independent & Alternative Provision)

Job Reference: HCC624945
Salary Range: £58,143 - £65,162 per annum
Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester(Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 10 November 2026
Interview Date: 18 November2026
Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received, therefore the advert may close early.

The Role:

As the Strategic Manager for SEND Commissioning & Assurance (Independent and Alternative Provision), you'll play a key role in shaping high-quality education provision for children and young people with SEND across Hampshire. Your leadership will help ensure children and young people can access the right support, in the right place, at the right time, while driving improvements that make a lasting difference to their lives and futures.

Working within the SEND Partnerships & Strategy Team, you'll provide strategic leadership across Hampshire for the commissioning, assurance and sufficiency of Independent Non-Maintained Special Schools (INMSS), Independent Schools and Alternative Provision. Combining commercial expertise, commissioning knowledge and strategic leadership, you'll work with partners across education, health and social care to develop sustainable solutions, secure value for money and strengthen local provision to meet growing and changing needs.

What you’ll do:

• Lead the end-to-end commissioning, contract management and quality assurance of independent and alternative SEND provision, securing high-quality placements and positive outcomes for children and young people.
• Develop commissioning strategies and creative solutions that strengthen local provision, improve sufficiency and help ensure children and young people can access the right support at the right time.
• Work collaboratively with providers, operational services, procurement, finance, legal colleagues and wider partners to identify needs, shape services and deliver effective commissioning solutions.
• Drive market development, supplier engagement and commercial activity, increasing access to quality provision while securing best value for Hampshire County Council.
• Provide strategic oversight of provider performance, contractual compliance, quality assurance and expenditure, ensuring robust governance and continuous improvement.
• Lead strategic projects and service improvement initiatives in response to organisational priorities, SEND reforms and emerging service needs, while developing and supporting a high-performing team.

What we’re looking for:

• An experienced commissioner with a strong understanding of the SEND landscape, including Independent Non-Maintained Special Schools, Independent Schools and Alternative Provision.
• Significant experience of leading strategic and operational commissioning within a complex and evolving environment.
• Strong commercial acumen, supported by a sound understanding of category management and excellent negotiation skills.
• A proven ability to develop and deliver commissioning strategies that improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with experience of building productive relationships across organisational boundaries and multi-agency partnerships.
• Strong leadership, people management, analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to translate strategic priorities into effective delivery.
  

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Strategic Manager for SEND Commissioning & Assurance role, team and our values. The ‘About you’ section explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application.

• Make a meaningful impact by influencing SEND provision and improving outcomes for children and young people across Hampshire.
• Take on a high-profile strategic leadership role with the opportunity to shape future services, drive innovation and work alongside talented colleagues and partners.
• Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here .

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK.

Other job titles you may be searching for may include: Senior Category Manager, SEND Commissioning Manager, Strategic Commissioning Manager, Commissioning & Assurance Manager, Education Commissioning Manager, Strategic Commissioning Lead

Travel Requirements:

You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire or other local authority, and it is essential that you have a current drivers’ licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.

Additional Information:

Strategic Manager for SEND Commissioning & Assurance (Independent and Alternative Provision) Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements:

The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.