Senior Commissioning Manager – Joint Commissioning (E3768) in Crewe

At Cheshire East we’re making significant, tangible investments in our foundations. This includes strengthening our commissioning function, expanding workforce development and creating clearer, more ambitious pathways. To realise these ambitions, we’re seeking experienced, flexible individuals who want to help us shape the future.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Commissioning Manager – Joint Commissioning, based at Delamere House, Crewe.

About the Role

Provide strategic portfolio leadership for commissioning across the Council and with system partners. Whilst the post has a specific area of focus, post holders will be expected to work flexibly across and understand wider programmes of work to meet business need and priorities as required. This includes Children’s Social Care (CSC) and SEND programmes of work as well as wider council work.

The role will lead the full commissioning cycle for allocated portfolios, translating system priorities and strategies into deliverable plans that secure sufficiency, quality, value for money and improved outcomes for children, young people and families. Joint commissioning arrangements will be delivered in line with statutory council responsibilities and national directives e.g. SEND Code of Practice.

The successful candidate will:

• Act as the strategic portfolio lead for joint commissioning, with clear accountability for outcomes, quality, sufficiency and spend. Matrix work across CSC and SEND programmes.
• Develop, deliver and periodically refresh portfolio commissioning and joint commissioning strategies and action plans aligned to statutory duties, system priorities and the Council’s commissioning framework.
• Lead needs assessment, demand and sufficiency analysis for the portfolio, using data and intelligence to shape commissioning intentions, market interventions and business cases.
• Shape and manage provider markets, including development of market position statements, frameworks and regional commissioning arrangements, and proactive engagement with independent and VCS providers.
• Lead complex procurement, contracting and negotiation activity within the portfolio, ensuring compliance with public procurement law and achievement of value for money and social value.
• Oversee contract management and performance assurance for commissioned services, working closely with QA colleagues to address underperformance, safeguarding concerns and provider failure.

The successful candidate will bring:

• Degree or equivalent experience in commissioning, public service or related field.
• Substantial experience of commissioning services for children and young people.
• Demonstrable experience of strategy development, market management, contracting and performance within a complex public-sector environment.
• Extensive understanding of the commissioning cycle.
• Demonstrable knowledge of SEND Code of Practice, Children Act duties, and procurement regulations.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding expectations and quality assurance principles.
• Application of needs assessment, outcomes-based commissioning benefits realisation and options appraisal techniques.

In return we are able to offer:

• Enhanced annual leave– Start with an impressive 34 days of annual leave (including bank holidays) from day one, and watch it grow to 39 days after just five years of service.
• Purchase of annual leave – Want more time off? You can purchase up to 10 extra days of annual leave each year, giving you the flexibility to balance work and life just the way you want (Pro-rata for part-time staff).
• Flexible working pattern– Enjoy a 37-hour standard full-time work week with the added perks of flexi-time and hybrid/remote working arrangements where possible.
• Salary sacrifice green car scheme– Drive green and save green! Lease a brand-new electric or hybrid car through our salary sacrifice scheme.
• White goods salary sacrifice scheme – Upgrade your home with ease. Purchase home and electronic items through our salary sacrifice scheme.
• Enhanced public pension– Secure your future with our career average pension.
• Cycle to work scheme – Save up to 25-39% on the retail price of bikes and safety equipment.
• Employee assistance programme– Access a completely free and confidential assistance service.
• Discounted gym membership – Stay active and healthy with corporate membership prices for Everybody Leisure.

Join us and experience a workplace that truly values and supports you! As an equal opportunities’ employer, we warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We believe that a diverse workforce helps us better reflect and serve our local communities, and together, we can build something truly special.

Cheshire East Council is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults across the Borough. As such, any cautions, convictions, reprimands or final warnings that are ‘not protected’ as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) order 1975 (as amended in 2013) relating to the non-disclosure of spent convictions do not apply to this job.