Location
Kingston upon Thames

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£48,531 per annum

About the Role
Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company with a public sector ethos and the freedom to innovate, owned by three local authorities. As a Senior SEND Commissioning Officer, you will play a key role in ensuring the best outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). You will use your strong background in education, health, or social care commissioning to monitor complex cases, including those that are jointly funded or involve high-cost, bespoke provision. This role requires representing the team in multi-agency discussions and decision-making forums, balancing the needs of children with the efficient use of public resources. You will build relationships with commercial providers and conduct quality assurance to ensure young people are safe and well-supported. Additionally, you will provide guidance to colleagues, lead projects to develop the commissioning function, and occasionally deputise for the SEND Commissioning & Partnerships Lead.

Your responsibilities will include:
- Providing oversight and monitoring for complex cases, including jointly funded or high-cost bespoke provision
- Serving as a key representative in decision-making forums and multi-agency discussions
- Building and maintaining relationships with commercial providers and undertaking quality assurance activities
- Advising on complex cases and contributing to SEND service operations
- Leading projects to develop the SEND Commissioning function
- Line managing or providing guidance to SEND Commissioning Team members and deputising as required

About Our Benefits
We offer a positive and supportive environment with a competitive salary and hybrid working options. Benefits include 29 days annual leave (increasing with service), an additional day off in your birthday month, tailored induction sessions, local government pension schemes, flexible working, an Employee Assistance Programme, staff benefits and discounts, and excellent learning and development opportunities to support your career pathway.

Experience
- Significant experience in commissioning within education, health, or social care
- Experience leading teams including line management, performance management, and change management
- Knowledge of SEND legislation including Children & Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice
- Experience in market shaping, needs analysis, sustainable commissioning strategies, stakeholder engagement, contract management, and placement performance for SEND and social care
- Proven ability to build strong partnerships and co-produce solutions with diverse stakeholders, including providers to promote cost-effective working relationships

About You
- Passionate about Achieving for Children’s vision, mission, and values (trust, empower, respect)
- Strong organisational skills including time management, creative thinking, problem-solving, multitasking
- Ability to work flexibly and independently with limited management oversight

Qualifications
- Educated to degree level and/or significant relevant commissioning experience