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- Tasks: Lead commissioning strategies to enhance services for children and families in Devon.
- Company: Devon Council, dedicated to improving outcomes for young people.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape impactful services and collaborate with diverse partners for community betterment.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning or contract management within public sector services.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and system-wide transformation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Devon based Council are seeking a Strategic Commissioning Officer within Children’s Services to play a key role in shaping and delivering high-quality, value-for-money services that improve outcomes for children, young people and their families. Working as part of the Children’s Services Commissioning Team, as well as the Housing and Place directorate, the postholder will lead commissioning programmes and manage a portfolio of services across the full commissioning cycle, from needs analysis and service design through to procurement, contract management and performance monitoring.
Location: Devon
Set-up: Hybrid (TBC)
Rate: ÂŁDoE
Duration: Initial 3 months (Project to be completed by March 31st 2026)
Hours: Full-time position (37-hours)
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of commissioning strategies and programmes across Children’s Services to improve outcomes for children, young people and families
- Manage a portfolio of commissioned services, overseeing the full commissioning cycle including service design, procurement, contract management and performance monitoring
- Work collaboratively with internal and external partners (including Health, Adult Social Care, VCSE and regional authorities) to deliver integrated, joint and co‑produced commissioning solutions
- Use data, needs analysis and market intelligence to shape evidence-based, innovative and value‑for‑money services aligned to statutory duties and local priorities
- Support and deputise for the Head of Children’s Services Commissioning, contributing to system‑wide transformation and the One Children’s Services Vision
Experience
- Significant experience of commissioning and/or contract management within Children’s Services, local government, health or a related public sector environment
- Proven ability to lead or contribute to strategic commissioning programmes, including service design, procurement and performance management
- Experience of partnership working, joint commissioning and co‑production with a wide range of stakeholders, including families and the VCSE sector
- Strong analytical skills with experience using data, needs analysis and demand forecasting to inform strategic decision-making
- Demonstrable understanding of safeguarding, statutory responsibilities, and the regulatory and policy context for Children’s Services
Strategic Commissioning Officer employer: Venn Group
Contact Detail:
Venn Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Commissioning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Children’s Services sector, especially those who work in commissioning. Attend local events or webinars to make connections and learn more about what’s happening in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of commissioning cycles and service design. Be ready to discuss how you’ve used data and needs analysis in past roles to improve outcomes for children and families.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve worked with various stakeholders, including health services and community organisations, to deliver successful commissioning solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Commissioning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in commissioning and contract management within Children’s Services. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves using data and needs analysis, be sure to include examples of how you've used these skills in past roles. We love seeing candidates who can turn data into actionable insights, so let us know how you’ve done this before!
Highlight Collaborative Experience: Collaboration is key in this position, so share your experiences working with various stakeholders, including families and the VCSE sector. We’re looking for evidence of your ability to work effectively in partnerships, so give us the details!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Venn Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Strategic Commissioning Officer role. Brush up on commissioning strategies, service design, and performance monitoring. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re serious about the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in commissioning and contract management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see how your background aligns with their needs.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Share examples of joint commissioning or co-production projects, and emphasise your ability to build relationships with partners like health services and the VCSE sector.
✨Data is Key
Highlight your analytical skills by discussing how you’ve used data and needs analysis in previous roles. Be prepared to explain how you’ve leveraged market intelligence to inform strategic decisions, as this will demonstrate your capability to deliver value-for-money services.
