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- Tasks: Lead transformation and governance for children's services in Leeds.
- Company: Join a values-driven team focused on improving outcomes for children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and the chance to shape community services.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for significant impact and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families in Leeds.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in governance or commissioning within public sector.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 £ 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 resources, 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.
Chief Officer - Commissioning and Governance employer: Tile Hill Executive Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Tile Hill Executive Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Officer - Commissioning and Governance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Leeds' Children and Families Directorate. 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
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in governance and commissioning. Share specific examples of how you've led transformation and change in previous roles. This will help them see you as the perfect fit for the Chief Officer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding Leeds' ambitions and values. Research the current challenges and opportunities within the Children and Families sector. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely invested in making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills and aspirations. Plus, it shows your commitment to being part of our mission to improve outcomes for children and families in Leeds. Don’t miss out on the chance to make a real impact!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Officer - Commissioning and Governance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for improving outcomes for children and families in Leeds. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles, and why this mission resonates with you.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in governance and commissioning. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your achievements and leadership style, making it easy for us to see your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. This ensures we receive all the necessary information and helps us process your application smoothly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tile Hill Executive Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Chief Officer for Commissioning and Governance. Familiarise yourself with Leeds' ambitions, the current challenges in service delivery, and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your strategic leadership experience, especially in governance and commissioning. Think about specific instances where you've led transformation or change, and be ready to discuss the outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability to drive improvement in a complex public sector environment.
✨Engage with Their Values
Leeds is all about inclusion and improving outcomes for children and families. During the interview, reflect on how your personal values align with theirs. Share your passion for creating excellent service delivery and how you’ve previously fostered collaboration across diverse partners.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current initiatives in safeguarding partnership governance or how they measure success in service delivery. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.