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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the commissioning process to improve outcomes for children and families in Essex.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a dynamic local authority committed to transformational change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent experience, with strong leadership and project management skills.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on innovation and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 50800 - 61700 £ per year.
Overview
Permanent, Full Time £58,933 to £69,332 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: 22nd February 2026
The Role
We are looking to recruit an experienced Commissioning Manager who can work in complex situations, dealing with complex problems. The Commissioning Manager is also responsible for managing senior and lead commissioning officers and working across all functions of the organisations as well as external partners. You will oversee all aspects of the commissioning process from needs assessment, co-production to procurement and/or service redesign. There are plenty of opportunities for learning, development, and growth within this busy dynamic team.
Responsibilities
We are looking to recruit an additional Commissioning Manager to join our busy Children and Families Commissioning team. The team works across a diverse portfolio, ranging from early intervention and prevention through to specialist care, supporting improved outcomes for children, young people and families across Essex. Commissioning is a key function within Essex County Council, working across the system to improve outcomes for Essex residents and bring about significant change to manage future challenges. The manager role leverages expertise and capability to enable a more flexible and agile commissioning environment to succeed in delivering the organisation's strategic objectives. The managers work across a range of programmes from universal to specialist levels of need, supported by an experienced team of senior and lead commissioning officers.
Qualifications
- Educated to degree level or equivalent by experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant business, process, or professional area.
- Evidence of ability to influence key decision makers with a clear understanding of the vision and strategy to inspire others.
- Knowledge and proficient experience of the commissioning cycle together with mastery of programme and project management.
- Curiosity, learning and innovation to create a compelling case for change.
- Experience of working within a political and complex environment, working effectively with a range of stakeholder and partner agencies at all levels.
- Evidence of delivering results and managing change alongside leadership capability.
- Evidence of commercial awareness and developing business opportunities.
If you are interested in joining a supportive, versatile, and creative team, one of these roles could be the role for you. If you would like to discuss the opportunities further, please contact: Clare.Burrell@essex.gov.uk to arrange a call.
Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We are committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We are also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Commissioning Manager - Childrens and Families in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning Manager - Childrens and Families in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working at Essex County Council. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the commissioning process and current challenges in children's services. Show us you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for improving outcomes for children and families.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates about Essex County Council there.
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Manager - Childrens and Families in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commissioning Manager role. Highlight your experience in commissioning and managing complex situations, as well as your ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your leadership and project management capabilities.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is clear, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Commissioning Cycle
Make sure you brush up on the commissioning cycle and its key components. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially in complex situations. This will show your understanding of the role and your ability to manage the commissioning process effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Commissioning Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or influenced decision-makers in the past. Highlight your leadership style and how it aligns with the values of Essex County Council.
✨Demonstrate Your Stakeholder Engagement
You’ll need to work with various stakeholders, so come prepared with examples of how you've navigated complex political environments. Discuss your strategies for building relationships and achieving consensus among diverse groups.
✨Be Ready for Change Management Questions
Expect questions about managing change and delivering results. Think of specific instances where you've led change initiatives, what challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will illustrate your capability to drive transformation within the organisation.
