Strategic SEND Commissioning Leader - Independent & AP

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

Local Government Pension Scheme

Job summary

Hampshire County Council is seeking a Strategic Manager for SEND Commissioning & Assurance (Independent & Alternative Provision) to shape high-quality education provision for children and young people with SEND. You will lead commissioning across INMSS, Independent Schools and Alternative Provision, working with health, education and social care partners to secure value and improve outcomes.

The role focuses on strategic leadership, contracting excellence, and robust governance, with hybrid

Qualifications

• Experienced commissioner with strong understanding of SEND including INMSS, Independent Schools and Alternative Provision.
• Proven ability to lead strategic and operational commissioning in a complex environment.
• Strong commercial and category management knowledge with negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end commissioning, contract management and quality assurance of independent and alternative SEND provision.
• Develop commissioning strategies to strengthen local provision and ensure sufficiency.
• Collaborate with providers, procurement, finance, legal and wider partners to deliver effective commissioning solutions.
• Drive market development, supplier engagement and best value for Hampshire County Council.
• Provide strategic oversight of provider performance, contractual compliance and expenditure.
• Lead strategic projects and support a high-performing team.

Skills

SEND landscape knowledge

Strategic leadership

Commercial acumen

Negotiation skills

Tools

Contract management

Job description

Hampshire County Council is seeking a Strategic Manager for SEND Commissioning & Assurance (Independent & Alternative Provision) to shape high-quality education provision for children and young people with SEND. You will lead commissioning across INMSS, Independent Schools and Alternative Provision, working with health, education and social care partners to secure value and improve outcomes.

The role focuses on strategic leadership, contracting excellence, and robust governance, with hybrid