Commissioning Lead - Children’s Services

Dorset Council; Dorchester; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset Council is seeking a Commissioning Lead to shape services for children, young people and families across Dorset. You will lead complex commissioning and service redesign across education, health and social care, using evidence and co-production to inform strategic investment.

You will influence service design, build partnerships with schools, providers and communities, drive innovative, cost-effective solutions and ensure delivery of better outcomes through strong governance and robust

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in commissioning, transformation, business development or service improvement.
• Experience working across organisations and building partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong project and programme management experience.
• Experience in financial/budget management, business planning and performance improvement.
• Excellent analytical skills with evidence-based decision making.
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of public sector commissioning, governance and relevant legislation.
• Commitment to Dorset Council values of Respect, Together, Accountability, Openness and Curiosity.

Responsibilities

• Lead commissioning projects from inception through delivery and evaluation.
• Use data, intelligence and evidence to identify needs and shape priorities.
• Develop commissioning strategies, business cases and service improvement plans to maximise impact.
• Build strong relationships with providers, partners and stakeholders to influence change.
• Support market development to ensure high-quality, cost-effective provision.
• Lead and embed robust project management to deliver on time and within budget.
• Manage risk, governance and compliance throughout the commissioning cycle.
• Engage children, young people, families and partners in service design and improvement.
• Present recommendations and proposals to senior leaders and decision-makers.

Skills

Strategic commissioning

Programme management

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Public sector knowledge

Collaboration

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

About the role

This is an opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future of services for children, young people and families across Dorset. As a Commissioning Lead, you will be part of a service that is ambitious about improving outcomes, promoting early help, and ensuring children have the opportunity to thrive, be happy and achieve their full potential.

Working across education, health, social care and provider partnerships, postholders will lead complex programmes of commissioning and service redesign, using evidence, market intelligence, co-production and performance information to inform decision-making and strategic investment. Particular portfolio responsibilities will vary according to service priorities and may include SEND reform, sufficiency, inclusion, alternative provision, externally funded programmes and wider transformation initiatives.

You'll join a collaborative and forward-thinking commissioning service that places the voices of children and families at the heart of decision making and is committed to delivering innovative, strengths-based and restorative approaches to support.

This role offers the chance to:

• Lead strategically significant transformation programmes that improve the lives of children and young people across Dorset.


• Influence service design, commissioning strategies and market development across complex service areas.


• Work in partnership with schools, health colleagues, police, voluntary sector organisations and communities to create sustainable solutions that meet local needs.


• Drive innovation and challenge traditional ways of working to deliver better outcomes and value for money.


• Be part of a culture that values curiosity, collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.


• Contribute to Dorset's ongoing transformation journey as we shift towards earlier intervention, co-production with families and place-based service delivery.

If you are motivated by making a tangible difference and want to see the direct impact of your work on services and communities, this role offers a unique opportunity to influence system-wide change.

As a Commissioning Lead, you will provide strategic leadership and specialist expertise to develop, commission and transform services that deliver positive outcomes for children, young people and families.

You will:

• Lead commissioning projects from inception through to delivery and evaluation.


• Use data, intelligence and evidence to identify need, shape priorities and support strategic decision making.


• Develop commissioning strategies, business cases and service improvement plans that maximise impact and value.


• Build strong relationships with providers, partners and stakeholders to influence change and develop effective services.


• Support market development activity to ensure the availability of high-quality, sustainable and cost-effective provision.


• Lead and embed robust project management approaches, ensuring programmes are delivered on time, within budget and achieve intended outcomes.


• Manage risk, governance and compliance requirements throughout the commissioning cycle.


• Engage children, young people, families and partners in the design and improvement of services.


• Present recommendations and service improvement proposals to senior leaders and key decisionmakers.

About you

We're looking for an experienced commissioning, transformation or service improvement professional who can think strategically while maintaining a strong focus on delivery and outcomes.

You will bring:

• A relevant degree, professional qualification or equivalent experience.


• Significant experience in commissioning, transformation, business development, service improvement or a related field.


• Experience of working effectively across organisations and developing productive partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders.


• Strong project and programme management expertise, with a track record of delivering complex change.


• Experience of financial and budget management, business planning and performance improvement.


• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and use evidence to influence decisions.


• Outstanding communication, engagement and relationship-building skills.


• Knowledge of public sector commissioning, governance and relevant legislation, ideally within children's services or related sectors.


• A commitment to Dorset Council's values of Respect, Together, Accountability, Openness and Curiosity.

Most importantly, you will share our ambition to improve outcomes for children and young people and have the drive and determination to turn innovative ideas into meaning.

Further Information

This is a full time role at 37 hours per week. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Claire Webb, Strategic Commissioner SEND [e-mail].

Proposed Interview Date 07/12/26.

As part of the selection process, shortlisted candidates will be required to prepare and deliver a 10-minute presentation to the interview panel. The presentation topic will be provided when candidates are notified that they have been shortlisted for interview.

This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.

This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex-offenders.

See our policy on safeguarding children and young people.

About Us

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video.

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We:

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents


• work in partnership to make a real difference


• value every role and the impact it has on our communities


• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You will:

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset


• have access to a range of benefits and support


• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you're passionate about making a difference, we'd love you to join us.