Lead Commissioning Officer in Barnsley

Overview

Lead commissioning work across a Children’s Services portfolio to improve outcomes for children and families. You will oversee multiple commissions and service developments, guiding strategy from needs analysis to procurement and contract delivery. You’ll balance priorities, manage risks, and drive evidence-based improvements with partners and providers. The role offers visibility across the organisation and a chance to shape services through data, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied portfolio of commissions, projects and service development activity across Children’s Services
• Lead multiple commissions concurrently, at different stages of the commissioning cycle
• Maintain oversight of progress, risks, dependencies, resources and outcomes
• Work flexibly across service areas to respond to changing needs
• Act as lead commissioner for designated services, themes and programmes
• Develop strategies, business cases and service specifications informed by evidence and local need
• Analyze complex information to identify pressures, gaps and opportunities for improvement
• Lead procurement, mobilisation, contracting and service remodelling
• Monitor provider performance to ensure outcomes and quality standards
• Manage commissioning budgets and allocate resources effectively
• Build constructive relationships with senior leaders, providers, partners, service users and carers
• Prepare clear and influential reports and presentations for diverse audiences
• Promote co-production, continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making
• Ask the right questions, challenge constructively and bring people together around a shared purpose

Key requirements

• Significant experience of commissioning, contracting or service planning within children’s services
• Ability to manage a portfolio of commissions concurrently and balance competing priorities
• Experience leading complex projects from development to delivery
• Understanding of how data and lived experience can shape services
• Experience of contract and performance management
• Ability to develop strategies, service specifications and high-quality business documents
• Comfort with budgeting and financial constraints
• Negotiation, influencing and relationship-building skills across levels
• Adaptability in a changing environment with competing priorities
• Commitment to quality, inclusion, and improving outcomes for children, young people and families
• Knowledge of local government pressures, partners, providers and communities
• Relevant Level 6 qualification or extensive equivalent experience, supported by Level 3 qualification

• Collaborative working
• Strong communication and influencing abilities
• Analytical thinking and evidence-based decision-making
• Procurement management
• Contract management and performance monitoring
• Development of strategies and service specifications