Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?

Tower Hamlets is seeking an experienced and ambitious Commissioning Manager to play a key role in delivering our SEND Reform Programme and shaping high-quality services across education, health and social care. This is an exciting opportunity to lead strategic commissioning activity that supports inclusion, early intervention, specialist support and better outcomes for children, young people and families.

Working within our integrated commissioning team, you will lead the development, procurement and management of services, using data, co-production and needs analysis to design innovative and sustainable solutions. You will work closely with schools, health partners, providers, families and young people to ensure services are effective, responsive and deliver value for money.

About you

We are looking for someone with significant commissioning, transformation or strategic planning experience, excellent partnership and analytical skills, and a strong understanding of children’s services and SEND. You will be passionate about improving outcomes, influencing system-wide change and working collaboratively across organisational boundaries.

This is a unique opportunity to help deliver one of the most significant transformation programmes in Tower Hamlets, shaping innovative services and creating a more inclusive and sustainable SEND system for the future.

Key requirements

Experience of commissioning, service improvement and transformation.
Knowledge of health, social care and children's services commissioning.
Experience developing strategies, specifications and innovative service solutions.
Strong partnership working and stakeholder engagement skills.
Ability to use data, evidence and insight to inform decision-making and improve outcomes.
Excellent communication, project management and report-writing skills.
Commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families.

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.