At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commissioning and contract management for Children's Services, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
- Company: Local authority focused on improving services for children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, bi-weekly payments, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: 37 hours per week with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of children's services and drive positive change in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
- 5 Month Contract With A Local Authority
- Job Purpose
To lead the strategic and operational commissioning, procurement and contract management of Children's Services, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective services that improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
The role is responsible for developing commissioning strategies, managing provider markets, delivering sufficiency objectives across SEND and Social Care, and working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to ensure services meet statutory requirements and deliver best value.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic and operational commissioning, procurement and contract management of Children's Services.
- Develop and implement commissioning strategies and plans that support SEND and Social Care sufficiency objectives.
- Manage commissioning, contracting and placement functions, ensuring services are high quality, cost-effective and compliant with statutory requirements.
- Drive service improvement, market development and innovation to achieve better outcomes and value for money.
- Develop strong partnerships with providers, partner agencies and stakeholders to support integrated and joint commissioning arrangements.
- Ensure compliance with procurement legislation, Council policies, financial regulations and contract management procedures.
- Lead, manage and develop commissioning teams, ensuring effective performance, workforce development and service delivery.
- Oversee service planning, performance management, budgeting and delivery of efficiency savings in line with Medium Term Financial Strategies.
- Support the commissioning and development of voluntary sector provision and contribute to the Council's Child Friendly vision.
- Represent the Council at local, regional and national forums, responding to emerging legislation, policy changes and regulatory requirements.
- Promote safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion across all commissioned services and ensure compliance with health and safety, data protection and corporate policies.
Requirements
- Significant experience in strategic commissioning, procurement and contract management within Children's Services or a related public sector environment.
- Strong knowledge of SEND, Children's Social Care, sufficiency planning and statutory responsibilities.
- Experience of leading commissioning teams, managing complex programmes and delivering service transformation.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, deliver efficiencies and secure value for money.
- Strong leadership, stakeholder management and partnership working skills.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing abilities.
- Sound understanding of procurement legislation, contract management and governance requirements.
- Commitment to safeguarding children and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Enhanced DBS clearance.
- Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle for business use (including valid business insurance and MOT where applicable).
- Additional Information
Location
Dudley
Hours per Week
37 Hours
Bi-Weekly Payments
Yes
Service Manager - Children's Commissioning in Dudley employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic leadership in the Special Educational Needs service can truly make a difference in children's lives. With a strong focus on collaboration and professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to meaningful outcomes in the Bromley community. The supportive culture and commitment to high-quality services make this an attractive opportunity for those looking to lead impactful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager - Children's Commissioning in Dudley
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager - Children's Commissioning in Dudley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Civic Recruitment Limited.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Civic Recruitment Limited that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
