At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives to improve services for children and families in Leeds.
- Company: Join Leeds City Council, committed to creating a Child Friendly Leeds.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and the chance to shape community outcomes.
- Other info: Be part of a values-driven team focused on lasting improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while leading transformative change.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in governance or commissioning within public sector.
The predicted salary is between 112000 - 123000 £ per year.
Creating the conditions for excellent service delivery. Leeds is a city with bold ambition for children and families. We are proud of our strong values, our commitment to inclusion and our relentless focus on improving outcomes. We are driven by our Leeds Ambitions, prioritising the actions that will have the most impact for people in our city over the next decade. Working together with partners, communities and families, our shared goal as Child Friendly Leeds is that every child and young person will have the best start in life and be supported to thrive.
To help lead this next phase of improvement, we are recruiting three exceptional Chief Officers to join our Children and Families Directorate. These are influential, system‑leading roles that will work collectively as part of a strong and values‑driven senior leadership team, shaping the future of services across the city.
Reporting to the Director of Children and Families, the Chief Officer for Commissioning & Governance will play a pivotal enabling role at the heart of the directorate. With responsibility for directorate‑wide assurance, financial sustainability, commissioning and governance, you will ensure Children and Families is equipped to deliver lasting improvement for the city.
Your impact
- You will provide strategic leadership across commissioning, market management, learning infrastructure, workforce development, organisational change and safeguarding partnership governance.
- Working closely with fellow Chief Officers, you will ensure services are effectively resourced, supported and governed to deliver their priorities.
- You will lead directorate‑wide transformation and programme governance, strengthening assurance, performance oversight and delivery capability.
- Partnering with corporate finance, HR, digital and strategy, you will ensure strong alignment and robust infrastructure that enables innovation and improvement.
- You will oversee significant budgets, support financial sustainability (including Dedicated Schools Grant oversight), and ensure value for money, risk management and strong governance underpin everything we do.
- You will also play a central role in partnership governance, including oversight of the Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership.
About you
You will be a senior leader with substantial experience in resources, governance, commissioning or organisational leadership within local government or a complex public sector environment. You will bring:
- A relevant degree qualification or substantial strategic leadership experience across cs, governance or infrastructure services.
- A proven record of leading transformation and change at scale.
- Excellent judgement and the ability to operate confidently in political environments.
- Experience of working across organisational boundaries and with diverse partners.
- Strong communication and influencing skills.
You will be motivated by creating the conditions for excellent service delivery – and by helping Leeds deliver lasting value for children, families and communities.
Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 31st May 2026
Company: Leeds City Council
Salary: £112,000 – £123,000 (pay award pending)
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Sector: Corporate Services
Sector: Corporate Management Team
Sector: Health and Social Care
Job Role: Chief Officer
Chief Officer, Strategy & Governance for Commissioning in Leeds employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Leeds City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a positive impact for children and families in Leeds. With a strong commitment to inclusion and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to lead transformative initiatives that enhance service delivery. The council offers competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work within a values-driven team focused on making a meaningful difference in the community.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Officer, Strategy & Governance for Commissioning in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Leeds City Council. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council’s current initiatives and challenges. Show that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference in Leeds. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their goals for children and families.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to be able to clearly articulate your vision for the role and how you can contribute to the council's ambitions. Get a friend to help you rehearse or even record yourself to refine your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about using our platform. Make sure to follow up after applying to express your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Officer, Strategy & Governance for Commissioning in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Chief Officer role. Highlight your experience in governance and commissioning, and how it aligns with Leeds' ambitions for children and families.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your strategic leadership experience shine through! Share examples of how you've led transformation and change in previous roles, especially in complex public sector environments.
Communicate Clearly:Strong communication is key for this role. Use clear and concise language in your application, and don’t shy away from showcasing your influencing skills. We’re looking for someone who can navigate political environments with ease!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity to make a difference in Leeds.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Chief Officer, Strategy & Governance for Commissioning. Familiarise yourself with Leeds City Council's values and ambitions, especially around service delivery for children and families. This will help you demonstrate your alignment with their goals during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in governance, commissioning, and organisational leadership. Be ready to discuss how you've led transformation and change at scale, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Engage with the Panel
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the challenges and opportunities facing the Children and Families Directorate. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
As a senior leader, your ability to communicate effectively is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex topics like financial sustainability and partnership governance. This will help you make a strong impression.
