Commissioning & Contracts Lead, Children & Families

North Northamptonshire Council; Kettering; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

North Northamptonshire Council is seeking a Commissioning Manager to lead commissioning, procurement, market management and contract oversight for children and young people aged 0–25 in the North Northamptonshire area. The role aims to ensure high-quality, outcome-focused, cost-effective services aligned with local needs and statutory requirements, including family hubs and integrated pathways.

Reporting to the Head of Service, the post holder will develop and manage commissioning and

Qualifications

• Experience of commissioning, contract management, service development or partnership working.

Responsibilities

• Inform multi-agency commissioning strategies reflecting local need, system priorities, statutory responsibilities and national reforms.
• Undertake comprehensive needs analysis using data, intelligence and forecasting to inform commissioning plans, market shaping and sufficiency activity.
• Lead market management for provision, including mapping supply, identifying gaps, developing provider relationships, and contributing to sufficiency plans that reduce reliance on high-cost placements.
• Lead procurement activity for services, including specification development, tendering, evaluation, commercial negotiation and award processes, ensuring compliance and value for money.
• Strengthen contract management and quality assurance frameworks, ensuring providers deliver safe, effective and outcome-focused services aligned to contractual requirements.
• Support annual fee uplift negotiations with Independent and non-maintained special schools, providing evidence-based recommendations to senior leaders.
• Ensure co-production with children, young people and families, and meaningful partnership working with Education, Social Care, Health, NCT, ICB, providers and regional partners.

Job description

North Northamptonshire Council is seeking a Commissioning Manager to lead commissioning, procurement, market management and contract oversight for children and young people aged 0–25 in the North Northamptonshire area. The role aims to ensure high-quality, outcome-focused, cost-effective services aligned with local needs and statutory requirements, including family hubs and integrated pathways.

Reporting to the Head of Service, the post holder will develop and manage commissioning and