Senior Commissioning Officer

The pay range for this role will be £39,152 (pro rata for part time colleagues). We’re looking forward to welcoming new colleagues under this refreshed framework of pay, terms, and conditions. To promote fairness and consistency, all new starters will begin at the bottom of the pay band. This reflects our commitment to equity across the organisation and aligns with the approach taken with existing staff during the transition. While the starting salary is fixed, the role offers excellent scope for growth, meaningful contribution, and being part of a forward‑thinking team.

This is a unique and rare opportunity to join the Children’s Commissioning Team as a Senior Commissioning Officer. The post holder will ensure commissioning decisions are robust for all services procured on behalf of Children’s Services, with a particular emphasis on the Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) sector. An understanding of the Children’s Services and or the Alternative Provision / SEND sector is desirable but not essential.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience of the commissioning cycle, assessing needs, recommending priorities, commissioning services and managing provider performance, so that care needs are met and demand is managed. The role requires the co‑ordination of commissioning projects, creating flexible, outcome‑based contractual arrangements with an aim to deliver the changes required by new and emerging local and national policy, legislation and financial frameworks.

The post holder shall take a lead role in the development of contractual arrangements and tendering services for Children’s Services, Education and Skills Directorate, ensuring that they are delivered in accordance with procurement regulations, and deliver value for the Council. The post holder will regularly stimulate stakeholder involvement in service re‑design and development, ensuring proper involvement in decision‑making is undertaken by the relevant partnership or governance groups.

Regular monitoring and evaluation of commissioned services is required which shall ensure providers deliver value for money and quality. The identification of any service issues is key alongside developing plans and actions for remedial action, this shall ensure that performance and service users’ safety and wellbeing are maintained.

There will be a supportive management and learning environment where there will be opportunities to further develop your knowledge and skills in the contracting, procurement and social care sector. Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work. We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive. From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need. It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help.

For further information on the accessibility support we can offer please see here: Preparing for your interview | Working for BCP.

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world‑renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world‑class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people. Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at Employee benefits | Working for BCP.

BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure.