Job Purpose
To lead the strategic and operational commissioning, procurement and contract management of Children's Services, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective services that improve outcomes for children, young people and families. The role is responsible for developing commissioning strategies, managing provider markets, delivering sufficiency objectives across SEND and Social Care, and working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to ensure services meet statutory requirements and deliver best value.
- Lead the strategic and operational commissioning, procurement and contract management of Children's Services.
- Develop and implement commissioning strategies and plans that support SEND and Social Care sufficiency objectives.
- Manage commissioning, contracting and placement functions, ensuring services are high quality, cost-effective and compliant with statutory requirements.
- Drive service improvement, market development and innovation to achieve better outcomes and value for money.
- Develop strong partnerships with providers, partner agencies and stakeholders to support integrated and joint commissioning arrangements.
- Ensure compliance with procurement legislation, Council policies, financial regulations and contract management procedures.
- Lead, manage and develop commissioning teams, ensuring effective performance, workforce development and service delivery.
- Oversee service planning, performance management, budgeting and delivery of efficiency savings in line with Medium Term Financial Strategies.
- Support the commissioning and development of voluntary sector provision and contribute to the Council's Child Friendly vision.
- Represent the Council at local, regional and national forums, responding to emerging legislation, policy changes and regulatory requirements.
- Promote safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion across all commissioned services and ensure compliance with health and safety, data protection and corporate policies.
- Significant experience in strategic commissioning, procurement and contract management within Children's Services or a related public sector environment.
- Strong knowledge of SEND, Children's Social Care, sufficiency planning and statutory responsibilities.
- Experience of leading commissioning teams, managing complex programmes and delivering service transformation.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, deliver efficiencies and secure value for money.
- Strong leadership, stakeholder management and partnership working skills.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing abilities.
- Sound understanding of procurement legislation, contract management and governance requirements.
- Commitment to safeguarding children and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Enhanced DBS clearance.
- Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle for business use (including valid business insurance and MOT where applicable).
Location: Dudley
Hours per Week: 37 Hours
Bi-Weekly Payments: Yes
