Commissioning Manager

Service Care Solutions Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local council is looking for a Children’s Commissioning Manager to oversee significant commissioning projects aimed at improving services for vulnerable children in Merton. This 3-month contract role requires strong experience in social care commissioning, effective negotiation skills, and the ability to manage complex challenges, while driving impactful service improvements.

Qualifications

• Experience in placements commissioning and fee negotiation within children's social care.
• Strong track record of delivering commissioning change in a public sector context.
• In-depth understanding of the commissioning cycle and ability to manage complex challenges.

Responsibilities

• Finalising arrangements for semi-independent accommodation commissioning.
• Leading strategic development of the residential care market.
• Negotiating placement fees and managing provider relationships.

Skills

Social care commissioning

Fee negotiation

Commissioning change

Data analysis

Report writing

Education

Degree or equivalent professional qualification

Job description

Children’s Commissioning Manager

Location: Merton
Contract: Initial 3-month assignment
Hours: 4 days per week
Rate: £300 per day (via umbrella company)

Merton Council is seeking an experienced Children’s Commissioning Manager with a strong background in social care commissioning to lead critical projects aimed at shaping and improving services for vulnerable children and young people. This is a high-impact interim role focused on delivering change in one of our top priority areas.

Key Responsibilities: You will play a key role in:

• Finalising future arrangements for semi-independent accommodation commissioning and housing pathways
• Leading the strategic development of the residential care market, including exploring the potential development of a council-led children’s home
• Negotiating placement fees and managing provider relationships
• Driving commissioning change to ensure high-quality, cost-effective services
• Producing detailed service reviews and reports for senior leadership
• Using data and performance intelligence to inform decision-making and monitor outcomes

Essential Experience and Skills:

• Proven experience in placements commissioning and fee negotiation within children’s social care
• Strong track record of delivering commissioning change in a public sector context
• In-depth understanding of the commissioning cycle – from needs analysis and market shaping to procurement and contract management
• Ability to manage complex housing and accommodation commissioning challenges
• Excellent report-writing and data analysis skills
• Degree or equivalent professional qualification; commissioning qualification or significant commissioning experience is essential

This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of children's services in Merton through effective, outcomes-focused commissioning. If you're a strategic thinker with a practical approach and a passion for improving children’s lives, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now to help shape the future of children's social care in Merton.