Senior Commissioning Manager
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The Children's Trust Senior Commissioning Manager
The closing date is 12 November 2026
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Commissioning Manager to join our Business Development and Commissioning Team. This role will require the successful candidate to provide
operational leadership across commissioning, contracting, placements and referrals and requires deputising for the Head of Business Development & Commissioning as required.
The role is responsible for supporting the effective management of key commissioning contracts and funding arrangements, overseeing complex commissioning and placement issues, and ensuring opportunities to maximise occupancy, referrals and income are identified and progressed.
This role will require travel across the country including supporting at and attending events, all of which may require overnight stays.
Staff benefits include, shuttle bus, and more Read more below
Main duties of the job
Working closely with the Head of Business Development & Commissioning, clinical and operational leads, the postholder supports delivery against organisational activity and income targets through effective contract management, income forecasting, funding negotiations and proactive management of financial and commissioning risks.
The role also holds specific oversight of Community Rehabilitation income and Nursery placement funding alongside Neurorehabilitation, Residential Care and Education income.
The postholder provides line management to the Senior Placement Managers, Referral Manager, and Commissioning Officer, and plays an active role in developing new business opportunities, responding to changes in the commissioning landscape and strengthening relationships with commissioners, referrers, healthcare professionals and partner organisations. Through effective use of data, market intelligence and stakeholder engagement, the role supports sustainable service growth and delivery of The Childrens Trusts strategic objectives.
With experience of working in a complex environment, across a large and diverse workforce, you will be exceptionally organised with a high-level of attention to detail. You will naturally possess excellent inter-personal skills, and an ability to consult and positively engage with key stakeholders across the organisation.
For more detail, please see the Duties and Responsibilities in the candidate briefing pack.
Interview Date: Thursday 19th November 2026
About us
About Us
The Childrens Trust is the UKs leading charity for children with acquired brain injury, providing expert rehabilitation, education, therapy, and care at our national specialist centre in Tadworth, and to children and their families across the UK, via our Brain Injury Community Service.
Boasting a beautiful 24-acre site in Surrey, we are located just outside of London, close to the M25 (accessible via Junction 8, A217 to Tadworth) and easily accessible via National Rail, by way of: Clapham Junction, Sutton, and Epsom.
Staff Benefits
The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits, including our staff flexible benefits platform, on-site nursery, free eye tests, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, time out days for those experiencing menopause symptoms and time off for gender reassignment.
We also offer additional annual leave days for those with long service, with entitlements ranging from 35 to 41 days (including bank holidays) depending on your length of service.
Other benefits include free on-site parking; a staff shuttle service from Epsom and Sutton train stations to Tadworth Court, Car Scheme (subject to eligibility), subsidised cafeteria, on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability), the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable), or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme, and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive environment.
Details
Date posted
30 October 2026
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£53,648 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
B0474-26-0082
Job locations
The Childrens Trust
Tadworth Court
Tadworth
Surrey
KT20 5RU
United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities
Deputise for the Head of Business Development & Commissioning as required, providing operational oversight across commissioning, contracting, placements and referrals.
Provide leadership, line management and professional support to the Senior Placement Managers, Referral Manager and Commissioning Officer, including regular supervision, annual PDRs, objective setting, coaching and development, ensuring high standards of performance and accountability.
Work alongside the Head of Business Development & Commissioning to oversee key commissioning contracts, including National Specialised Commissioning block contract, ensuring contractual requirements, reporting targets and payment arrangements are effectively managed.
Oversee spot purchased placement contracts at an operational level, ensuring all placements have an up-to-date contract in place, identifying and escalating contractual risks or concerns appropriately.
Support admission planning, bed management and occupancy planning to maximise service capacity, referrals and income against agreed targets.
Lead on and oversee complex commissioning and funding issues, including transitions between children's and adult services, unsigned contracts, disputed funding and partial fee agreements.
Alongside Head of Business Development & Commissioning, support with key commissioning processes, including annual inflationary uplifts and negotiations with funding authorities, ensuring opportunities to maximise income are identified and progressed.
Lead the management of nursery placement funding, working closely with parents, Surrey County Council and other stakeholders to maximise available funding, maintain accurate records and portals, secure eligibility codes and documentation, and obtain additional Early Intervention Funding where appropriate.
Manage and maintain oversight of the Community Rehabilitation income budget, including funding applications, contract negotiations and engagement with funders, ensuring income targets are monitored and achieved.
Identify and develop new business opportunities arising from changes in the commissioning landscape, service specifications, market developments and stakeholder needs, working with relevant colleagues to maximise opportunities for The Children's Trust.
Represent The Children's Trust externally at conferences, events, and other networking opportunities, building and maintaining strong relationships with commissioners, referrers, healthcare professionals and partner organisations to generate leads, increase referrals and support organisational growth.
Work closely with the Medical Director, Head of Business Development & Commissioning and Service Directors/Leads to drive performance against agreed activity, occupancy and income targets, identifying risks and opportunities and supporting the implementation of appropriate actions.
Support the Head of Business Development & Commissioning with accurate and timely income forecasting, identifying financial risks and developing and implementing mitigation plans where required.
Collaborate with the Lead Analyst & Impact Manager and other relevant colleagues to use data, market intelligence and performance information to inform decision-making, identify opportunities and reduce risk.
Maintain strong internal and external stakeholder relationships, promoting effective multidisciplinary and cross-organisational working to maximise opportunities and achieve strategic objectives.
Professional Standards
To undertake all mandatory training in line with The Childrens Trust policy.
Read and implement all policies, procedures, and risk assessments pertinent to working practice and keeps up to date with policy changes as they occur.
To ensure strict confidentiality at all times, only releasing information to those acting in an official capacity and with appropriate authority.
Maintain up to date knowledge and expertise on use of relevant computerised equipment and applications.
Prepare appropriately for Performance and Development Reviews, identifying learning objectives and setting targets, identifying opportunities for professional development in order to meet continuing professional development requirements.
Adhere to the policies and procedures of The Childrens Trust.
Maintain professional boundaries and professionalism at all times.
Health and Safety
Adheres to all Health and Safety guidelines, principles, and regulations to perform your role and comply with The Childrens Trust policies and procedures.
Promotes the health and safety of others.
Uses the incident reporting and risk assessment system (Vantage), to identify and report risks and incidents/actions if directed.
Responsible for identifying and mitigating risk within the work environment.
Wellbeing and Emotional Resilience
Maintains a positive approach and outlook when dealing with change and overcoming challenges and problems.
Recognises own limitations, develops realistic goals, and uses support network resource when or if necessary.
Treats challenges and problems as a learning experience.
Remains organised and focused when under pressure.
Responds appropriately and effectively to all constructive feedback.
Motivates self and others.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities
Deputise for the Head of Business Development & Commissioning as required, providing operational oversight across commissioning, contracting, placements and referrals.
Provide leadership, line management and professional support to the Senior Placement Managers, Referral Manager and Commissioning Officer, including regular supervision, annual PDRs, objective setting, coaching and development, ensuring high standards of performance and accountability.
Work alongside the Head of Business Development & Commissioning to oversee key commissioning contracts, including National Specialised Commissioning block contract, ensuring contractual requirements, reporting targets and payment arrangements are effectively managed.
Oversee spot purchased placement contracts at an operational level, ensuring all placements have an up-to-date contract in place, identifying and escalating contractual risks or concerns appropriately.
Support admission planning, bed management and occupancy planning to maximise service capacity, referrals and income against agreed targets.
Lead on and oversee complex commissioning and funding issues, including transitions between children's and adult services, unsigned contracts, disputed funding and partial fee agreements.
Alongside Head of Business Development & Commissioning, support with key commissioning processes, including annual inflationary uplifts and negotiations with funding authorities, ensuring opportunities to maximise income are identified and progressed.
Lead the management of nursery placement funding, working closely with parents, Surrey County Council and other stakeholders to maximise available funding, maintain accurate records and portals, secure eligibility codes and documentation, and obtain additional Early Intervention Funding where appropriate.
Manage and maintain oversight of the Community Rehabilitation income budget, including funding applications, contract negotiations and engagement with funders, ensuring income targets are monitored and achieved.
Identify and develop new business opportunities arising from changes in the commissioning landscape, service specifications, market developments and stakeholder needs, working with relevant colleagues to maximise opportunities for The Children's Trust.
Represent The Children's Trust externally at conferences, events, and other networking opportunities, building and maintaining strong relationships with commissioners, referrers, healthcare professionals and partner organisations to generate leads, increase referrals and support organisational growth.
Work closely with the Medical Director, Head of Business Development & Commissioning and Service Directors/Leads to drive performance against agreed activity, occupancy and income targets, identifying risks and opportunities and supporting the implementation of appropriate actions.
Support the Head of Business Development & Commissioning with accurate and timely income forecasting, identifying financial risks and developing and implementing mitigation plans where required.
Collaborate with the Lead Analyst & Impact Manager and other relevant colleagues to use data, market intelligence and performance information to inform decision-making, identify opportunities and reduce risk.
Maintain strong internal and external stakeholder relationships, promoting effective multidisciplinary and cross-organisational working to maximise opportunities and achieve strategic objectives.
Professional Standards
To undertake all mandatory training in line with The Childrens Trust policy.
Read and implement all policies, procedures, and risk assessments pertinent to working practice and keeps up to date with policy changes as they occur.
To ensure strict confidentiality at all times, only releasing information to those acting in an official capacity and with appropriate authority.
Maintain up to date knowledge and expertise on use of relevant computerised equipment and applications.
Prepare appropriately for Performance and Development Reviews, identifying learning objectives and setting targets, identifying opportunities for professional development in order to meet continuing professional development requirements.
Adhere to the policies and procedures of The Childrens Trust.
Maintain professional boundaries and professionalism at all times.
Health and Safety
Adheres to all Health and Safety guidelines, principles, and regulations to perform your role and comply with The Childrens Trust policies and procedures.
Promotes the health and safety of others.
Uses the incident reporting and risk assessment system (Vantage), to identify and report risks and incidents/actions if directed.
Responsible for identifying and mitigating risk within the work environment.
Wellbeing and Emotional Resilience
Maintains a positive approach and outlook when dealing with change and overcoming challenges and problems.
Recognises own limitations, develops realistic goals, and uses support network resource when or if necessary.
Treats challenges and problems as a learning experience.
Remains organised and focused when under pressure.
Responds appropriately and effectively to all constructive feedback.
Motivates self and others.
Person Specification
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Commitment to the vision and values of The Childrens Trust.
- Flexible and can do attitude to competing commitments in workload.
- Highly motivated and reliable.
- Ability to cope working in a demanding environment.
- Commitment to maintaining personal wellbeing and the wellbeing of colleagues.
- Resilient and confident when managing challenging negotiations, competing priorities and complex situations.
- Collaborative and able to work effectively across the multi-disciplinary teams.
Experience
Essential
- Experience in commissioning, contract management, commercial or healthcare management role.
- Experience of managing complex or challenging commissioning and funding situations and achieving positive outcomes.
- Experience of overseeing income, activity, occupancy, or financial targets.
- Experience of leading, managing and developing staff, including supervision and performance management.
- Experience of representing an organisation at conferences and other networking events.
Desirable
- Experience of working with NHS England and/or Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).
- Experience of working with Local Authorities and education funding arrangements, including SEND and Early Years
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and networking skills, with confidence representing the organisation externally.
- Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate confidently with senior commissioners and external stakeholders.
- Computer literate and able to use IT systems, with strong knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in commissioning, contract management, or healthcare management.
- Evidence of continued professional development relevant to commissioning, contract management, or leadership.
Desirable
- Relevant commissioning, contract management, project management, or leadership qualification.
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of healthcare commissioning, contracting, and funding arrangements.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Commitment to the vision and values of The Childrens Trust.
- Flexible and can do attitude to competing commitments in workload.
- Highly motivated and reliable.
- Ability to cope working in a demanding environment.
- Commitment to maintaining personal wellbeing and the wellbeing of colleagues.
- Resilient and confident when managing challenging negotiations, competing priorities and complex situations.
- Collaborative and able to work effectively across the multi-disciplinary teams.
Experience
Essential
- Experience in commissioning, contract management, commercial or healthcare management role.
- Experience of managing complex or challenging commissioning and funding situations and achieving positive outcomes.
- Experience of overseeing income, activity, occupancy, or financial targets.
- Experience of leading, managing and developing staff, including supervision and performance management.
- Experience of representing an organisation at conferences and other networking events.
Desirable
- Experience of working with NHS England and/or Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).
- Experience of working with Local Authorities and education funding arrangements, including SEND and Early Years
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and networking skills, with confidence representing the organisation externally.
- Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate confidently with senior commissioners and external stakeholders.
- Computer literate and able to use IT systems, with strong knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in commissioning, contract management, or healthcare management.
- Evidence of continued professional development relevant to commissioning, contract management, or leadership.
Desirable
- Relevant commissioning, contract management, project management, or leadership qualification.
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of healthcare commissioning, contracting, and funding arrangements.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
The Children's Trust
Address
The Childrens Trust
Tadworth Court
Tadworth
Surrey
KT20 5RU
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/jobs (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
The Children's Trust
Address
The Childrens Trust
Tadworth Court
Tadworth
Surrey
KT20 5RU
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/jobs (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Recruitment and Compliance Partner
Shirley Swann
01737365000
Details
Date posted
30 October 2026
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£53,648 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
B0474-26-0082
Job locations
The Childrens Trust
Tadworth Court
Tadworth
Surrey
KT20 5RU
United Kingdom
Supporting documents
Supporting links (all open in new tabs)
Privacy notice
The Children's Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)
Support links
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