Strategic Transport & SEND Commissioner

Cambridgeshire County Council; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing package

Additional annual leave (salary sacrif

Flexible bank holidays

Pension contributions

Development opportunities

Paid volunteering hours

IDEAL equality network

Employee Recognition Awards

Car Lease and Cycle to Work schemes

Job summary

Cambridgeshire County Council is seeking a confident, collaborative and strategic commissioner to shape passenger transport services across the county, working with schools, health providers and partners. You will drive continual improvement, develop high-performing teams and deliver sustainable transport solutions for vulnerable residents.

The role operates with autonomy within governance, reporting to the Head of Commissioning.

Qualifications

• Confident, collaborative and strategic commissioner with a track record of delivering change.
• Strong understanding of SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice and local authority duties.
• Experience leading change, influencing across complex organisations and sectors.

Responsibilities

• Set a clear strategic vision and commissioning priorities for home-to-school transport for children and young people, including SEND travel support.
• Oversee the full commissioning cycle: needs analysis, market shaping, procurement, contracts, and performance management.
• Collaborate across finance, operations, quality, brokerage and procurement to deliver a joined-up approach.
• Lead innovation, test new delivery models, manage demand and realise savings.
• Manage and influence large budgets and engage with senior forums, NHS partners and regulators.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders and members on commissioning and system-wide issues.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Financial management

Contract negotiation

Commissioning experience

Change management

Job description

Cambridgeshire County Council is seeking a confident, collaborative and strategic commissioner to shape passenger transport services across the county, working with schools, health providers and partners. You will drive continual improvement, develop high-performing teams and deliver sustainable transport solutions for vulnerable residents.

The role operates with autonomy within governance, reporting to the Head of Commissioning.