Commissioning Manager (National) in Bedford

Commissioning Manager (National)

£68,000 per annum

Bedford

Permanent – Hybrid Working

Sitting within the commissioning team as part of the debt function, this role focuses on supporting the National Programme Procurement Lead to design, implement and support national commissioning programmes for debt advice. Working closely with commercial, policy and delivery colleagues in a matrix environment, the postholder will ensure that the full commercial lifecycle – from programme design and application processes to grant award, monitoring, performance management and evaluation – reflects MaPS’ strategic priorities and regulatory responsibilities.

The role will champion good practice, strengthen provider capability, and ensure that funding supports high quality, client focused debt advice services. The role may also act as deputy to the National Programme Procurement Lead.

Why This Role Matters

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to gain insights and ensure that commissioned debt advice services are aligned with MaPS' strategic objectives.
• Support and contribute to the entire commissioning process, from identification of needs to the evaluation of service delivery, ensuring compliance with MaPS' policies and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with the commissioning of debt advice services, ensuring that potential issues are addressed promptly and effectively.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of commissioning frameworks, resources and processes, incorporating best practices and feedback from stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain effective records and collateral to support programme governance.
• Sector liaison including the development and facilitation of engagement sessions and workshops for service providers to enhance their understanding of MaPS' commissioning requirements and improve service delivery outcomes.

What You’ll Bring

To excel in this role, you will need to demonstrate:

• Essential
• Understanding of the debt advice sector or similar.
• Understanding of the funding commissioning lifecycle, relevant commercial standards and the responsibilities of public‑sector funders.
• Experience of grants or contract management.
• Self‑motivated and organised, efficiently managing multiple projects and stakeholders to ensure deadlines are consistently met and objectives achieved.
• Excellent communication skills including facilitation, presentations and writing.
• Negotiation skills and sound judgement to balance conflicting interests and priorities.
• Ability to prepare detailed and accurate reports, crucial for documenting progress, analysing data, and informing stakeholders of developments and outcomes.
• Desirable
• Extensive experience in debt advice sector, ideally in operational and strategic management and delivery.
• Comprehensive knowledge of various funding mechanisms available within the advice sector, identifying and securing appropriate financial resources for clients and programmes.
• Familiarity with contracts assurance, audit processes and evaluation approaches.

Personal Attributes

• Effective operator within a matrix team
• Proactive
• Sees tasks through to completion
• Pragmatic
• Confident and capable of deputising for service lead