Assistant Director Children’s Commissioning

Please apply online via the link provided.

Job Description

Assistant Director Children’s Commissioning (2 Year Fixed Term Contract), London Borough of Havering

Romford | Contract: Fixed Term (2 Years) | Grade: G13 | Salary: £93,006 - £102,705pa

About the Role

As Assistant Director Children’s Commissioning, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Council’s Children’s Commissioning and Start Well Brokerage functions. Reporting to the Strategic Director of Resources, you will lead the commissioning cycle across a broad portfolio including SEND, Early Help, emotional wellbeing and mental health pathways, fostering, residential and semi-independent provision, and children’s accommodation markets.

You will work closely with senior leaders, elected Members, NHS partners, schools, providers and the voluntary sector to ensure services are co-produced, evidence-led and responsive to the needs of Havering’s communities. The role will also lead on market shaping, sufficiency planning and transformation programmes, ensuring high-quality placements and sustainable commissioning models that support improved outcomes and deliver Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) savings.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for an experienced and visionary senior leader with:

• Significant experience of strategic commissioning leadership within children’s services, social care, SEND or integrated public services
• A strong understanding of the full commissioning cycle, partnership commissioning and market shaping
• Proven experience of leading within complex, politically sensitive and multi-agency environments
• Strong knowledge of statutory responsibilities relating to Children’s Services, SEND and safeguarding
• Experience of leading transformation, continuous improvement and financial sustainability programmes
• The ability to build influential partnerships across local government, health, education and the voluntary sector
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to inspire high-performing teams

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Children’s Commissioning and Start Well Brokerage services across Havering
• Lead commissioning activity across SEND, Early Help, emotional wellbeing, fostering, residential care and specialist provision
• Oversee brokerage, placement sufficiency and market management to secure safe, high-quality and cost-effective outcomes for vulnerable children and young people
• Lead transformation and improvement programmes that strengthen preventative and community-based support models
• Develop and implement market position statements, commissioning strategies and partnership plans
• Ensure commissioned services meet statutory, safeguarding, quality and performance requirements
• Drive innovation, service redesign and MTFS savings through robust commissioning and contract management approaches
• Work collaboratively with Adults’ Services to improve transitions and pathways into adulthood for young people
• Represent the Council at key partnership boards, including SEND, safeguarding and integrated care system forums

Why Havering?

Working for Havering means joining a forward-thinking council committed to innovation, collaboration and delivering the best possible outcomes for residents. We offer:

• A supportive and inclusive working environment guided by our ICARE values
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement with options to buy additional leave
• Access to learning, development and leadership opportunities
• Health and wellbeing support initiatives
• The opportunity to lead meaningful transformation that improves the lives of children and families

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from candidates who reflect the communities we serve.

How to Apply

For more information about the position, please click Job Pack

Please attach your CV and supporting statement, outlining in no more than two A4 pages why you are suitable for this role and how you meet the essential criteria.

Closing Date: Sunday 7 June 2026 midnight (we may close the vacancy early due to high interest). For recruitment enquiries regarding the role please email Talent@havering.gov.uk quoting REF 3943 Assistant Director Children’s Commissioning in the subject line

The hiring manager will be holding informal discussions about the post, please contact Kathy Freeman, Strategic Director of Resources, Kathy.Freeman@havering.gov.uk

Additional Information

The recruitment process may include multiple assessment stages, including stakeholder panels and formal interview.

We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents you upload.

The London Borough of Havering is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Successful applicants may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Havering is a Disability Confident employer – candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

Internal candidates and redeployees will be given priority consideration.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.

About Us

With its excellent transport links into central London, extensive town centre regeneration and the highest concentration of green space anywhere in London, Havering has a unique offer as a place to live, work and visit. By making the most of its position and opportunities, Havering is becoming a hub for start-ups and expanding businesses, as well as construction, logistics, engineering and manufacturing industries. Find out why you should work for Havering Council.

• Job Identification 3943
• Posting Date 21/05/2026, 17:43
• Apply Before 07/06/2026, 23:59
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations TOWN HALL, ROMFORD, RM1 3BD, GB