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- Tasks: Support contract management and ensure compliance while contributing to service improvement projects.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team at South Central Framework, dedicated to enhancing children's placements.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in service development while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Diploma-level qualification or equivalent experience with strong communication and analytical skills required.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting transition to the South East Regional Care Cooperative.
The predicted salary is between 37280 - 40778 £ per year.
South Central Framework (Children’s Placements Contracts) team is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join us as a Contract Support Officer. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the delivery and improvement within the service.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the management and monitoring of contracts across the South Central Residential /Independent Fostering framework
- Ensure compliance with service standards and contractual obligations
- Contribute to service redesign and commissioning projects
- Assist in procurement, market development, and strategic planning
- Build strong relationships with providers and stakeholders
- Maintain accurate data and performance reporting systems
What We’re Looking For
- Diploma-level qualification or equivalent experience
- Strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities
- Experience in partnership working and service improvement
- High proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
Why Join Us
- Be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team
- Contribute to meaningful change in service development
- Access professional development and continuous learning opportunities
- Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a supportive work environment
- Join at an exciting time in our move to South East Regional Care Cooperative (SERCC). Read more about SERCC here.
What We Can Offer You
Salary: The salary band for this role is £37,280 – £40,778 per annum. The starting salary is £37,280 with annual progression through the salary bands.
Here at SCC we have a range of different perks and benefits, a few examples can be found below.
- Excellent local government pension with 16.8% employer contribution
- Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
- Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service
- Flexible working options (role-dependent)
- Family-friendly policies – Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
- Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
- Health and wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
- Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
- Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
- Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
- Sustainable travel benefits – low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
- Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer
Contact Details
For further information and details regarding the role please contact: Jonathan Wade at jonathan.wade@southampton.gov.uk
Recruitment contact details: Email: recruitment@southampton.gov.uk Tel: 023 8083 4033
Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk)
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Contract Support Officer employer: Southampton City Council
Contact Detail:
Southampton City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the South Central Framework and its objectives. Understanding the specific needs and challenges of children's placements will help you demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of contract management and children's services. Attend relevant events or join online forums to build connections that could provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Microsoft Excel skills, as proficiency in this software is crucial for data management and reporting. Consider taking a short course or using online resources to enhance your abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in partnership working and service improvement. Think of specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes, as this will be key in your conversations.
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of a Contract Support Officer. Emphasise your communication, negotiation, and analytical skills, as well as any experience in managing contracts or partnerships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your motivation for the role and how your background fits the job description. Mention specific examples of your experience in service improvement and project management to demonstrate your suitability.
Highlight Technical Skills: Since proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word is crucial for this role, ensure you mention your level of expertise with these tools. Provide examples of how you've used them in previous roles to manage data or create reports.
Showcase Your Adaptability: In your application, illustrate your ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities. Use specific instances from your past work where you successfully navigated challenges or changes in direction.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Contract Support Officer, strong communication is key. Be prepared to discuss examples of how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders or managed negotiations in the past.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Highlight your analytical skills by discussing specific instances where you've used data to inform decisions or improve processes. This will show your ability to handle the responsibilities of monitoring contracts and performance reporting.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities. Think of scenarios from your previous experience where you successfully juggled tasks or adapted to new challenges.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Framework
Research the South Central Residential/Independent Fostering framework and understand its goals and challenges. Being knowledgeable about the framework will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.