At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape adult social care in Torbay, improve services, and manage contracts.
- Company: Torbay Council, dedicated to enhancing community well-being.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic team environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a passionate team focused on improving outcomes for the community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while driving innovation in social care.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning, procurement, and contract management in public services.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 50269 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 4 September 2026
Department: Adults & Community Services
Location: Torbay Council
Compensation: £47,181 - £50,269 / year
Are you looking for a role where you can help shape the adult social care market in Torbay, improve commissioned services, and support better outcomes while making effective use of public funds? We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our Adult Social Care Strategic Commissioning Team as a Senior Commissioning Officer.
The role will primarily support the development, contract management and quality assurance of regulated care services across Torbay. This role is central to delivering our strategic vision for outstanding residential and domiciliary care. You will help people with social care needs to live independently for as long as possible and ensure they are well supported when they need more care.
You will work closely with commissioned and spot-purchased care providers, statutory agencies and regulators, the voluntary sector, family carers, and people who draw on health and social care. Together, you will develop new services and improve existing ones. This is an exciting time to join the team as we move away from integrated arrangements with the NHS and create a new social care service within Torbay Council.
You will lead a programme of work to drive continuous improvement across the regulated care sector in Torbay. Your work will help ensure commissioned services are effective, affordable, safe, legally compliant and focused on delivering excellent outcomes for people.
- Support providers and improve performance across a wide range of regulated care services.
- Lead joint commissioning initiatives, procurement processes and contribute to funding bids.
- Advocate for resources to meet the needs of Torbay’s population.
- Use technology, shared resources and creative commissioning approaches to respond to increasing demand and limited budgets.
- Take a strategic approach to the local market in order to promote the right support at the right time, ensuring people do not draw on services they do not need.
You will bring demonstrable experience of contracting and procurement in a statutory setting, alongside knowledge of service and market development, regulated care provision, and current social policy for care homes and care at home. You will also understand the pressures and opportunities faced by local care providers and be confident working collaboratively with partners to improve services and outcomes.
This role would suit someone already working in commissioning, procurement or contract management within public services who is ready to further develop their skills and responsibilities as a local authority senior commissioner. You will be part of a dynamic strategic commissioning team focused on improving the lives and outcomes of people living in Torbay.
If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser: Job Description
For an informal chat please contact Debbie Wilding at Debbie.Wilding@torbay.gov.uk on 07557 166844. Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 21st September 2026. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Our adverts do sometimes close early - even where there's a published deadline - however not before 28th August 2026.
Skills
- Ability to negotiate and influence internal colleagues, other public and private sector organisations and key partners to secure improved outcomes.
- Ability to assimilate, understand, analyse interpret and communicate complex information and data to inform decision making.
- Ability to make decisions that may have significant implications for others and confidently provide rationale.
- Proven critical thinking skills and the ability to identify causes and determine a range of informed and imaginative solutions.
- As this post meets the requirements of the Immigration Act 2016 (part 7), the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
Knowledge
- Specialist knowledge of the current trends and issues affecting the Commissioning and delivery of social care services.
- Knowledge of current requirements and of the developing agenda about the commissioning of care and specialist housing services.
- An understanding and comprehension of the Commissioning Cycle.
Experience & Qualifications
- Experience of developing, writing, managing and monitoring contract frameworks and specification.
- Experience of managing contract compliance processes.
- Experience of negotiating Service Level Agreements and monitoring performance/making changes to ensure value for money.
- Experience of outcome-based models for contracting and care delivery.
- Experience of co-production/ and consultation with service users, carers and other key stakeholders in the design and delivery of outcomes-focused services that meet their needs and aspirations.
Senior Commissioning Officer - 37 Hours in Torquay employer: Torbay Council
Torbay Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. With a focus on collaboration and community impact, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities and a chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with complex care needs. Located in the picturesque Torbay area, the council provides a unique environment that fosters both personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commissioning Officer - 37 Hours in Torquay
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Torbay Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Torbay Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Torbay Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Torbay Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commissioning Officer - 37 Hours in Torquay
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Torbay Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Torbay Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Torbay Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
