Commissioning and Contracts Manager

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Ipswich is seeking a Commissioning and Contracts Manager to lead initiatives in the Care Market Hub. This hybrid position involves strategic engagement with care providers to improve service delivery. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership and analytical skills, with a proven ability to navigate complex political environments. The role offers competitive benefits and the opportunity to make a significant impact on community services.

Benefits

Up to 29 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme membership

Flexible working options

Performance-related pay progression

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven ability to navigate and work effectively within a political environment.
• Strong leadership skills that inspire and motivate teams.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
• A proactive, self-driven approach to achieving results.
• Analytical skills to interpret data and inform decision-making.
• Clear and confident communication skills, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Lead care market intelligence and quality improvement.
• Develop best practice guidance for strategic commissioning.
• Oversee involvement in the regional hub for international recruitment.
• Manage contracts for workforce development support services.
• Maintain relationships with strategic partners across the care sector.

Skills

Leadership skills

Organisational skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Ability to navigate political environments

Job description

Overview

Suffolk County Council – Hybrid role based at Endeavour House, Russell Road, Ipswich, IP2 1BX. Salary £48,163 per annum (pro rata for part time). Hours 37 per week, flexible working options available. Contract: Permanent.

At Suffolk County Council, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. As a Commissioning and Contracts Manager in the Care Market Hub, you'll work with colleagues, partners, and communities to build trust, share ideas, and deliver services that make a lasting impact. Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role

This is a strategic and dynamic role where you'll engage with the care market across Suffolk and the wider health and social care system. You'll lead on quality improvement, workforce development, and contract management, representing Suffolk in regional forums and driving forward key initiatives.

Your work will include:

• hybrid working with a mix of online and in-person meetings across Suffolk
• representing Suffolk in regional meetings on international recruitment and contract management
• collaborating with care providers to support targeted improvements and market-wide quality oversight

Your responsibilities

• Lead care market intelligence and quality improvement, including line management of the Provider Support Team and facilitation of the Provider Performance Board
• Develop and implement best practice guidance for strategic commissioning and contract management, including a new audit process
• Oversee Suffolk's involvement in the regional hub for international recruitment, ensuring effective use of central government funding
• Manage contracts for workforce development support services
• Maintain strong relationships with strategic partners across the care sector

You will need

• Proven ability to navigate and work effectively within a political environment
• Strong leadership skills that inspire and motivate
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities
• A proactive, self-driven approach to achieving results
• Analytical skills to interpret data and inform decision-making
• Clear and confident communication skills, both written and verbal

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

The Care Market Hub is a collaborative and forward-thinking team at the centre of strategic commissioning and contract management for Adult Social Care. We lead on key projects such as the Care Market Strategy and Dementia Strategy, and manage contracts for countywide services. You'll be joining a close-knit team of around 10 colleagues who share knowledge and expertise to drive meaningful change. We embrace hybrid working, typically spending two days a week together in the office (usually Monday/Tuesday and Wednesday), visiting care providers, and working from home.

Empowering Everyone

We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Helen Clarke (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 264016 or emailing [e-mail]

How to apply

1. Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
2. Step 2 - Click Apply Now to start your online application.
3. Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions (no more than 400 words per question). Use the Supporting Statement template.

1. Can you describe a time when you led a commissioning cycle from planning through to contract management? What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
2. Describe how you've supported staff development and career progression within your team.
3. How have you used data and evidence to inform commissioning decisions? Can you give an example?
4. Give an example of how you've worked collaboratively with social work teams or other commissioning partners to improve service outcomes.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing [e-mail] or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 21 September 2025.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

Benefits

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).