Job Title: Specialist Commissioning Officer
Job Location: Shire Hall, Block 5, 3rd Floor
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Duration: Maternity leave cover for up to 12 months
Closing Date: 17/07/2026
Job Requisition Number: 14449
Job Share: Yes
Join Gloucestershire County Council’s Specialist Commissioning Team and play a key role in shaping high‑quality services for children and young people with SEND. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference through strategic commissioning, partnership working and improving outcomes across the county.
About the Role
In this role you will support the commissioning of high‑quality services for children and young people aged 0–25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). You will work closely with colleagues, providers and partners to ensure sufficient, effective and outcome‑focused provision across Gloucestershire.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with education settings and specialist providers
- Support the commissioning of bespoke education and support packages, including pathways into employment such as supported internships
- Lead and support procurement activity, ensuring value for money and high‑quality provision
- Manage and monitor contracts, driving performance and continuous improvement
- Produce contracts and Individual Placement Agreements for specialist placements
- Analyse and manage key commissioning data, including High Needs place planning
- Work collaboratively across education, health and care, including with regional partners and other local authorities
- Contribute to service development, SEND sufficiency planning and continuous improvement
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policy and best practice
About You
- Knowledge of SEND legislation and processes
- Experience of commissioning, procurement, or working within a provider environment
- Experience managing complex or high‑risk pieces of work
- Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership working skills
- Ability to analyse information and present clear, evidence‑based recommendations
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- A proactive, solution‑focused approach with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
Benefits
- Flexible and agile working opportunities
- 25.5 days annual leave rising to 30.5 days after 5 years continuous service
- Option to purchase 10 days of additional leave per year (pro rata for part‑time staff)
- Family friendly employer offering benefits to support you and your family
- Career development and qualification opportunities
- Supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides free, confidential counselling and advice for employees, available 24 hours a day, online and by telephone
- In‑house Occupational Health service
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Gloucestershire Salary Sacrifice Green Car Scheme (T&Cs apply)
- Links to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) network and the Young Employees Network
Legal Information
The council is not currently able to offer sponsorship in this role. Candidates will need to have the right to work that enables them to commit to at least six months’ employment. Right to work is not transferable from a sponsored role held with another employer.
It is a legal requirement, under the Immigration Act 2016, that anyone appointed to a ‘customer facing role’ must be able to demonstrate an ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in fluent English.
Commitment to Safeguarding
Gloucestershire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people or vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
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