At a Glance
- Tasks: Support commissioning and contract management for children's services, ensuring best practices are followed.
- Company: Croydon Council, dedicated to improving children's health and education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on continuous improvement and service delivery.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and knowledge of commissioning and contract management required.
The predicted salary is between 43680 - 45750 £ per year.
Job Purpose
To deliver excellent support to all commissioning and contract management activity across early help, early years, child health, education, children with SEN and disabilities and children’s social care. Ensuring that best practice contract management and monitoring framework is in place and applied over the life of the contract. This will include establishing and reviewing KPI’s, ensuring performance information is provided and reviewed, external performance benchmarking, working with the contractor and client to ensure there is service delivery planning, continuous improvement and benefit realisation and reporting. Plan and deliver publicity campaigns that raise awareness of children, young people, education and health (CYPE+H) services using new and innovative ways of promoting these. Including providing support to services leaders with supporting and promoting their area of work which will assist in take up of services.
About You
We are looking for an experienced worker with good project management knowledge, understanding of the key elements of the commissioning cycle and the impact on project and contract management. You will have a knowledge of commissioning and contract management, including an understanding of the financial and legal frameworks governing contract management. The successful candidate will have strong negotiation skills to be able to engage with providers to secure service improvements, experience of project management and of supporting projects in public health, education, children’s social care or health. You will also need a demonstrable experience of aspects of commissioning and managing contracts with effective results ensuring best value and optimum service levels are maintained.
Contracts & Commissioning Officer in Croydon employer: Croydon
Croydon Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a focus on delivering vital services to a diverse community, the council offers fantastic benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals. Working in Croydon not only allows you to be part of a transformative journey in public service but also provides a unique opportunity to engage with a vibrant and populous borough.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts & Commissioning Officer in Croydon
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Croydon, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Croydon and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts & Commissioning Officer in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Croydon and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Croydon, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Croydon.
