The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
x2 Full-time 37 hours, permanent
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled and motivated Children’s Commissioning Officer to join our Commissioning, Contracts and Procurement team.
This is a varied and impactful role where you will contribute across the full commissioning cycle from service design and market shaping to procurement, contract management and performance monitoring. Your work will directly support improved outcomes for vulnerable children and families, while ensuring value for money and high-quality provision.
Working closely with Strategic Commissioners, the Home Finding Team and a wide range of internal and external partners, you’ll help shape and develop services that meet the evolving needs of our communities.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role
You’ll play a key role in commissioning effective services and driving continuous improvement.
Your responsibilities will include:
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Supporting strategic planning, service reviews, and needs/gap analysis
- Contributing to service design, ensuring outcomes are evidence-based and child-focused
- Shaping the local market and building strong relationships with providers
- Leading or supporting procurement activity, including specifications, KPIs and documentation
- Managing contracts to ensure quality, performance and value for money
- Monitoring spend, forecasting budgets and supporting efficiency savings
- Writing reports, business cases and recommendations to support decision-making
- Working collaboratively across the Council, including Finance, Legal and Procurement teams
- Promoting co-production and ensuring the voice of the child is central
- Developing partnerships with external agencies including NHS and other local authorities
About you
We’re looking for someone who is analytical, collaborative and committed to improving outcomes for children and young people.
You will bring:
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Experience within children’s services, health, public sector or a related environment
- Understanding of commissioning, contract management or procurement processes
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and inform decisions
- Experience of project work, service improvement or business planning
- Excellent communication skills, including report writing and presenting
- Ability to build positive relationships and influence a wide range of stakeholders
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
- A proactive, solution-focused approach with sound judgement
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
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Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact
[email protected]
Closing Date: 5 July
Interview Date: W/C 20 July
Interview Process: Interview to be held on Microsoft Teams
