THE SERVICE & TEAM:

Lead the future of Education and SEND commissioning in one of the UK’s most forward-thinking councils.
Cornwall Council is nationally recognised for innovative, integrated commissioning — built on strong partnerships across health, education, and social care. We’re developing a professional commissioning discipline that blends best practice, robust evidence, and co-design with communities, creating an environment where commissioners can thrive and make a measurable difference.

As our Head of Education and SEND Commissioning, you’ll set the standard for excellence across three critical areas:

• Children with Disabilities
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• Home to School Transport

These services directly influence inclusion, wellbeing, and long-term life chances for children and young people in Cornwall. This is more than a leadership role — it’s your chance to build a team, shape the market, and make Cornwall an exemplar in children’s commissioning nationally.

ABOUT YOU

We’re looking for someone who combines strategic vision combined with delivery excellence. You’ll bring:

• Significant senior-level commissioning experience — ideally in education, SEND, or children’s services (transferable experience considered).

• A track record in market shaping, transformation, and delivering large-scale change.The ability to influence at the highest levels, backed by curiosity, evidence-led thinking, and the courage to focus on what matters most.

CORNWALL COUNCIL IS UNABLE TO OFFER VISA SPONSORSHIP OR TRANSFER EXISTING SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE.

The full role profile is attached here .
For more information or an informal chat about the role please contact careers@cornwall.gov.uk

In this role, you will:

• Lead the medium-to-long-term strategy for education and SEND commissioning.
• Shape and sustain the marketplace to ensure quality, sufficiency, and sustainability.
• Drive large-scale transformation and major programmes of change.
• Align and optimise resources across education, health, social care, and transport.
• Embed savings and efficiencies through strong commissioning and contract management.Act as accountable lead for pooled budgets and joint commissioning arrangements