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- Tasks: Lead innovative projects to improve outcomes for children and families in Walsall.
- Company: Join Walsall Council's dedicated Children's Commissioning Team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning, strong analytical skills, and a passion for service improvement.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous learning and development.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Join Our Childrens Commissioning Team in Walsall. Are you passionate about making a difference? Walsall Council has invested in its Commissioning Team and is looking for dedicated innovative individuals to join us. Following a recent restructure, we are expanding our Childrens Commissioning Team to strengthen our commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families. We are seeking a Senior Childrens Commissioning Officer to join our growing team.
As Senior Childrens Commissioning Officer, you will work collaboratively with colleagues across the Local Authority alongside health, social care and education partners and providers as well as our Faith, Voluntary and Community Sector. You will play a key role in supporting Commissioning Managers to deliver planned commissioning activity and contribute to service and strategic objectives at every stage of the commissioning cycle.
Areas of Focus
- The Childrens Commissioning Team portfolio supports Early Intervention and Communities, Targeted Family Help and Care, Lifelong Learning, Inclusion, Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
- Our current portfolio of work includes placements and services for Children in Our Care, Alternative Provision, Family Hubs, Holiday Activities and Food (HAF), Short Breaks for children with disabilities, Youth Justice support and Family Help initiatives.
- While your initial focus as Senior Commissioning Officer may be on specific areas such as developing the market for independent fostering provision or leading Community and Inclusion projects, you will also play a key role in delivering a broad range of initiatives across our diverse portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
- Shape and develop the local provider market to ensure sufficiency and improved quality.
- Lead the full commissioning cycle ensuring contracts and specifications are robust, compliant and outcome focused.
- Drive joint commissioning strategies that address current and emerging needs, build capacity and foster innovation.
- Work collaboratively with Walsall Together programme leads to deliver integrated projects across education, health and social care.
- Champion co-production by engaging service users and stakeholders so lived experience informs commissioning.
- Use advanced influencing and negotiation skills to secure stakeholder commitment to better outcomes.
- Monitor and manage quality within areas of responsibility working closely with assurance colleagues.
- Identify opportunities for service improvement and implement changes effectively.
- Prepare evidence-based reports, business cases and recommendations for senior management and Council committees.
- Interpret national policy and ensure local commissioning reflects statutory requirements.
- Provide line and matrix management for colleagues involved in projects.
- Represent commissioning views at local, regional and national meetings and deputise for other officers as required.
About You
We are looking for someone with proven experience in commissioning, service development and contract management. You will bring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication and partnership-building abilities and the confidence to work across complex systems. You will be committed to continuous learning and professional development, staying up to date with best practice, policy changes and innovative approaches to commissioning. Above all, you will be passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people and families.
If you are ready to take on a rewarding challenge and help transform services for children and families, we want to hear from you!
Closing Date: 18th January 2026
Interview Dates: 29th and 30th January 2026
If you would like an informal conversation around any of these roles, please get in touch with either Commissioning Manager: Joanna Butryn or Sally Gamston.
Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. If you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them.
Fluency Statement: This post is covered by the Governments Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.
Disclosure & Barring Service statement: Walsall Council takes seriously the responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all the children, young people and vulnerable adults entrusted to our care and it is our expectation that all staff will share this commitment. We will ensure continuous development and improvement of robust recruitment processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our workforce. Completion of an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement for working with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Politically Restricted Statement: Legislation imposes restrictions on political activity for certain local government employees. This position is designated as a politically restricted (sensitive) post as set out in Part 1 the Local Government & Housing Act 1989 and the Local Government (Political Restrictions) Regulations 1990 (LGO(PR)R 1990) SI 851 and S.30 of the Local Democracy Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.
Senior Commissioning Officer RefCH07525 in Walsall employer: Walsall Council
Contact Detail:
Walsall Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commissioning Officer RefCH07525 in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local 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 current projects and challenges, especially in children's commissioning. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the role of Senior Commissioning Officer. Highlight your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities, as these are key in this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure to include a detailed supporting information statement that showcases how you meet the criteria in the employee specification.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commissioning Officer RefCH07525 in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to craft a detailed supporting information statement that directly addresses the criteria in the employee specification. This is your chance to shine, so highlight your skills and experiences that align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for improving outcomes for children, young people, and families. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles or projects to demonstrate your commitment.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your language clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your points are easy to understand. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you'll find all the info you need right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Walsall Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Senior Commissioning Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and areas of focus mentioned in the job description, such as the commissioning cycle and collaboration with various stakeholders. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in commissioning, service development, and contract management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easier for the interviewers to see how your skills align with their needs.
✨Engage with the Team's Vision
Walsall Council is focused on improving outcomes for children and families. Be ready to discuss how your values align with this mission. Think about ways you can contribute to initiatives like Early Intervention and Community projects, and be prepared to share your ideas on fostering innovation within the team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking insightful questions. Inquire about the current challenges the Children’s Commissioning Team faces or how they measure success in their projects. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.