At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse commissioning projects to improve children's services in Torbay.
- Company: Torbay Council, dedicated to making a positive impact on children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and excellent learning opportunities.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team with a commitment to integrity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning or relevant fields like social care or education.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Strategic Commissioning Officer (Children’s Services) - 37 Hours
Application Deadline: 29 May 2026
Department: Finance
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Torbay Council
Reporting To: Head of Service
Compensation: £47,181 - £50,269 / year
Description
INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Strategic Commissioning Officer for Children’s Services. You may be someone already working in commissioning looking for a new challenge or someone with relevant transferable skills from social care, education, SEND, health, and/or the third sector. What you will bring is passion, energy and commitment to make a positive difference to the lives of Torbay’s children, young people and families.
You will fulfil a key role, working across the Children’s Services and with internal and external partners and stakeholders, leading on a diverse range of commissioning projects and programmes.
If you share our core values of being forward thinking, people orientated and adaptable – always with integrity and are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children, young people and families we would love to hear from you.
You will be able to access excellent learning and development opportunities to support you in your role and your continuous professional development. This role is open to hybrid working.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Skills
- Proven ability to work autonomously and without direction to meet the requirements of the role and Council priorities.
- Proven ability to work on and prioritise multiple projects across a diverse range of subject matters encompassing all Children’s Services activity and able to deal with conflicting and ever changing priorities.
- Ability to demonstrate the motivational, negotiation, challenge and influencing skills required to secure: buy-in and best outcomes through collaborative and partnership working; and improved outcomes and best value within service delivery.
- Ability to demonstrate mature problem solving and analytical skills to interpret statistical and written information and to produce planning documents and determine a range of informed and imaginative solutions.
- Ability to demonstrate the extensive communication skills necessary to be able to present complex information clearly, in a range of formats to varied audiences.
Knowledge
- Knowledge of public sector commissioning sufficient to ensure understanding of the impact and consequences of the decisions made on Council policy, strategy, the wider system, services and individual service users.
- Knowledge and understanding of the full commissioning cycle, including needs assessment, co-production and market appraisal.
- Knowledge of key social care, education, health and other relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks and policy guidance.
- Knowledge of performance management, policy development and service improvement methodologies and their application, including quality standards and development of management information systems.
- Knowledge and understanding, at a local and national level, of current and future trends and issues affecting the Commissioning and delivery of children’s statutory and non‑statutory social care services.
Experience & Qualifications
- Demonstrable experience of the successful commissioning of services.
- Demonstrable experience of partnership and collaborative working across a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Demonstrable experience of co-production and consultation with key stakeholders, including service users in the design and delivery of outcomes‑focused services that meet needs and aspirations.
- A proven track record in formulating and delivering presentations to a diverse audience, supported by the effective facilitation of group working and collaborative activities.
- Experience of the managing and monitoring of contractual arrangements, including contract compliance, opportunities for improvement/service redesign to ensure value for money and better outcomes.
- Educated to Degree level or equivalent or demonstrable academic ability / experience in relevant field.
Strategic Commissioning Officer (Children’s Services) - 37 Hours in Torquay employer: Torbay Council
Torbay Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of children, young people, and families in the community. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from excellent learning opportunities and a supportive work culture that values integrity, collaboration, and adaptability. The role of Strategic Commissioning Officer offers the chance to engage in meaningful projects while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working in a vibrant coastal location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Commissioning Officer (Children’s Services) - 37 Hours in Torquay
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the children's services sector, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to commissioning and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission. Show them you're not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience and how it relates to the role of Strategic Commissioning Officer. Use specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on the closing dates and apply early to stand out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Commissioning Officer (Children’s Services) - 37 Hours in Torquay
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for making a positive difference to children's lives shine through. We want to see your energy and commitment, so don’t hold back on sharing why this role excites you!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in commissioning or transferable skills from social care, education, or health. We’re looking for how your background aligns with the role, so be specific about your achievements and how they relate to our needs.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Use straightforward language and structure your application well. This helps us understand your points quickly and shows off your communication skills, which are essential for this role.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the deadline! Our adverts can close early if we find the right candidate, so get your application in as soon as possible through our website. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Torbay Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of public sector commissioning and the full commissioning cycle. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the key legislation and frameworks mentioned in the job description, like the Children’s Act and Ofsted Inspection Framework.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to work autonomously and manage multiple projects. Think about times when you've successfully navigated conflicting priorities and how you achieved the best outcomes through collaboration and partnership working.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice presenting complex information in a clear and engaging way. You might be asked to explain your approach to a commissioning project, so being able to articulate your thoughts effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Be Passionate and Personable
Let your passion for making a positive difference to children and families shine through. Show that you share the core values of being forward-thinking and adaptable. A genuine connection to the role can make a lasting impression on the interviewers.
