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- Tasks: Lead commissioning projects to improve outcomes for children and families in Walsall.
- Company: Walsall Council, dedicated to enhancing children's services and community support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning, strong analytical skills, and a passion for service improvement.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on innovation and collaboration across sectors.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 50269 £ per year.
Walsall Council has invested in its Commissioning Team and is looking for dedicated, innovative individuals to join us. Following a recent restructure, we are expanding our Children’s Commissioning Team to strengthen our commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people, and families. We are seeking a Senior Children’s Commissioning Officer to join our growing team.
As Senior Children’s Commissioning Officer, you will work collaboratively with colleagues across the Local Authority, alongside health, social care, and education partners and providers, as well as our Faith, Voluntary and Community Sector. You will play a key role in supporting Commissioning Managers to deliver planned commissioning activity and contribute to service and strategic objectives at every stage of the commissioning cycle.
Areas of Focus
- The Children’s Commissioning Team portfolio supports Early Intervention and Communities, Targeted Family Help and Care, Lifelong Learning, Inclusion, Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
- Our current portfolio of work includes placements and services for Children in Our Care, Alternative Provision, Family Hubs, Holiday Activities and Food (HAF), Short Breaks for children with disabilities, Youth Justice support, and Family Help initiatives.
- While your initial focus as Senior Commissioning Officer may be on specific areas such as developing the market for independent fostering provision or leading Community and Inclusion projects, you will also play a key role in delivering a broad range of initiatives across our diverse portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
- Shape and develop the local provider market to ensure sufficiency and improved quality.
- Lead the full commissioning cycle ensuring contracts and specifications are robust, compliant, and outcome focused.
- Drive joint commissioning strategies that address current and emerging needs, build capacity, and foster innovation.
- Work collaboratively with Walsall Together programme leads to deliver integrated projects across education, health, and social care.
- Champion co-production by engaging service users and stakeholders so lived experience informs commissioning.
- Use advanced influencing and negotiation skills to secure stakeholder commitment to better outcomes.
- Monitor and manage quality within areas of responsibility, working closely with assurance colleagues.
- Identify opportunities for service improvement and implement changes effectively.
- Prepare evidence-based reports, business cases, and recommendations for senior management and Council committees.
- Interpret national policy and ensure local commissioning reflects statutory requirements.
- Provide line and matrix management for colleagues involved in projects.
- Represent commissioning views at local, regional, and national meetings and deputise for other officers as required.
About You
We are looking for someone with proven experience in commissioning, service development, and contract management. You will bring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication and partnership-building abilities, and the confidence to work across complex systems. You will be committed to continuous learning and professional development, staying up to date with best practice, policy changes, and innovative approaches to commissioning. Above all, you will be passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people, and families.
Closing Date: 18 January 2026
Interview Dates: 29 and 30 January 2026
Contact: Commissioning Manager: Joanna Butryn or Sally Gamston
Senior Commissioning Officer - Ref:CH07525 in Walsall employer: -
Contact Detail:
- Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commissioning Officer - Ref:CH07525 in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially in improving outcomes for children and families. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your skills in commissioning and service development clearly and concisely.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commissioning Officer - Ref:CH07525 in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Commissioning Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Provide examples of how you've used your analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills in previous roles. We want to see how you can bring value to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at -
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Senior Commissioning Officer. Brush up on the commissioning cycle, service development, and contract management. Being able to discuss specific examples from your experience will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical knowledge too.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about improving outcomes for children, young people, and families. Be ready to share why this work matters to you personally. Talk about any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in this area.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since the job involves working with various partners, be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Think of examples where you’ve engaged stakeholders or led joint projects. Highlight your influencing and negotiation skills, as these will be crucial in this role.
✨Stay Current
Keep yourself updated on national policies and best practices related to commissioning. During the interview, reference any recent changes or innovations in the field that could impact the role. This shows that you’re proactive and dedicated to continuous learning, which is exactly what they’re looking for.