At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic commissioning for children and young people, ensuring quality and value.
- Company: Cheshire East Council, dedicated to community welfare and development.
- Benefits: 34 days annual leave, flexible working, and salary sacrifice schemes.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safeguarding and community service.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning services and strong understanding of public sector regulations.
The predicted salary is between 54994 - 62777 £ per year.
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. You must therefore, disclose whether you have any previous convictions where prompted to do so within the application process.
Senior Commissioning Manager – Joint Commissioning (E3768) (Full Time) in Crewe employer: New Start
New Start is an exceptional employer located in Chelmsford, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With 27 days of holiday and participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme, we provide our team with valuable benefits while fostering an environment that encourages mentorship and collaboration among ecologists. Join us to make a meaningful impact on complex development projects in a dynamic and rewarding setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commissioning Manager – Joint Commissioning (E3768) (Full Time) in Crewe
✨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 New Start, 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 New Start 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 Senior Commissioning Manager – Joint Commissioning (E3768) (Full Time) in Crewe
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 New Start 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 New Start
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with New Start, 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 New Start.
