At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Home to School Transport Service through data-driven decision-making and supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Cumberland Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community service and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives while growing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning or procurement and strong stakeholder engagement skills are essential.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for eligible applicants and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 33366 - 34314 £ per year.
Location: Cumbria House
Salary: £33,366 - £34,314 per annum
Hours: 37 per week
Contract: Permanent
About This Opportunity
Are you passionate about delivering efficient, customer-focused services? Cumberland Council is looking for a proactive and analytical Commissioning Officer to support the delivery of our Home to School Transport Service. Working within the Integrated Commissioning, Procurement and Contract Management team, you’ll play a key role in using data to inform commissioning decisions, support supplier relationships, and ensure services are joined-up and value for money.
We’re seeking someone with experience in commissioning or procurement, strong stakeholder engagement skills, and a keen eye for data-driven decision-making. In return, you’ll join a collaborative and forward-thinking team that values innovation, professional development, and making a real difference to families across Cumberland.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities. We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.
Be sure to take a look at the post specification for the essential criteria for this role.
Contact
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Sara McHale by email at sara.mchale@cumbria.gov.uk.
Guaranteed Interviews
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role:
- Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
- Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
- Armed forces veterans whose last long term substantive employer was the armed forces
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application.
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Employer and also an Age Friendly Employer - to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.
If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 17 June 2025
Interview date: TBC
Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Please Read The Supporting Information
Post Specification
Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more: Our Staff Benefits Candidate Support About Cumberland Council
Contact Detail:
Cumberland Council Recruiting Team
sara.mchale@cumbria.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commisioning Officer (School Transport) - CMB1818e
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Cumberland Council's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. During your interactions, whether in an informal chat or the interview, demonstrate how your personal values align with theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the Home to School Transport Service and understand its current challenges and successes. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations and show your genuine interest in improving services for families across Cumberland.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of your experience in commissioning or procurement that highlight your analytical skills and stakeholder engagement. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you used data to inform decisions and improve service delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Take advantage of the opportunity to arrange an informal chat with Sara McHale before applying. This can provide you with valuable insights into the role and allow you to ask questions that could strengthen your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Commisioning Officer (School Transport) - CMB1818e
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Commissioning Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in commissioning or procurement. Use specific examples to demonstrate your stakeholder engagement skills and data-driven decision-making abilities.
Showcase Your Values: Cumberland Council values ambition, collaboration, compassion, empowerment, and innovation. Make sure to reflect these values in your application by providing examples of how you embody them in your professional life.
Prepare for Guaranteed Interview Criteria: If you meet any of the guaranteed interview criteria, such as being a disabled person or an armed forces veteran, ensure you clearly indicate this in your application. This will help you secure an interview opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumberland Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Commissioning Officer. Familiarise yourself with the Home to School Transport Service and think about how your skills and experiences align with the role.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since the role involves data-driven decision-making, be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis. Bring examples of how you've used data to inform decisions in previous roles, especially in commissioning or procurement.
✨Emphasise Stakeholder Engagement
Highlight your strong stakeholder engagement skills during the interview. Be ready to share specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders to achieve a common goal.
✨Align with Core Values
Cumberland Council values ambition, collaboration, compassion, empowerment, and innovation. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you embody these values and be prepared to discuss them in the interview.