Overview
As Lead Commissioning Officer in our Children’s Services team, you will shape and manage a diverse portfolio of commissioning work to improve outcomes for children and families. You will lead multiple commissions, navigate different stages of the commissioning cycle, and drive service development, procurement, and contract remodelling with evidence-based decision-making. This is a collaborative role that connects colleagues, providers, and communities to deliver quality, best-value services. You’ll have a clear impact by turning insights into tangible service improvements and strong partnerships.
Pay / Benefits
- flexible working
- employee discounts
- health and wellbeing support
- training and development opportunities
- excellent pension scheme
- competitive pay
Responsibilities
- Manage a varied portfolio of commissions, projects and service development activities across Children’s Services
- Lead multiple commissions concurrently across different stages of the commissioning cycle
- Maintain oversight of progress, risks, dependencies, resources and outcomes
- Lead procurement, mobilisation, contracting and service remodelling activities
- Monitor provider performance to ensure outcomes and quality standards
- Manage commissioning budgets and support prudent resource allocation
- Build relationships with senior leaders, providers, partners, service users and carers
- Prepare clear reports and presentations for diverse audiences
- Promote co-production, continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making
- Ask challenging questions and bring stakeholders together around common goals
Key requirements
- Significant experience in commissioning, contracting or service planning
- Strong understanding of the commissioning cycle and procurement processes
- Ability to manage a portfolio and lead multiple commissions concurrently
- Experience in project/programme leadership from development to delivery
- Proficient in using data and lived experience to shape services
- Contract and performance management experience
- Ability to develop strategies, service specifications and business documents
- Budget management within financial constraints
- Negotiation, influencing and relationship-building at all levels
- Comfort with change and balancing competing priorities
- Commitment to quality, inclusion and improving outcomes for children, young people and families
- Relevant Level 6 qualification or extensive equivalent experience, with Level 3 qualification as stated
- Negotiation and influencing
- Relationship-building at all levels
- Collaborative working and teamwork
- Procurement
- Contract management
- Performance management
Lead Commissioning Officer | 48,738 - 51,928 in Barnsley employer: Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Barnsley Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a strong commitment to professional development, the Advanced Practitioner role within the Practice Development Hub offers opportunities for mentoring, training, and collaboration with educational partners, ensuring that staff have the resources they need to excel. Located in Barnsley, the council promotes a culture of teamwork and innovation, making it an ideal place for motivated practitioners to make a meaningful impact in children's social care.
Contact Details:
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
