Commissioning Manager

Service Care Solutions; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Service Care Solutions is seeking a Children’s Commissioning Manager for an initial 3-month assignment in Merton. The role involves driving improvements in social care services for vulnerable children and leading crucial commissioning projects. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in social care commissioning, excellent data analysis skills, and a strategic mindset.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in placements commissioning and fee negotiation within children’s social care.
• Strong track record in delivering commissioning change in a public sector context.
• Ability to manage complex housing and accommodation challenges.

Responsibilities

• Leading the strategic development of the residential care market.
• Negotiating placement fees and managing provider relationships.
• Producing detailed service reviews and reports for senior leadership.

Skills

Negotiating placement fees

Data analysis

Report writing

Market shaping

Education

Degree or equivalent professional qualification

Commissioning 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 outcomesEssential 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 essentialThis 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

Job Info

Job Title:

Company:

Service Care Solutions

Location:

Posted:

Closes:

Jul 13th 2025

Sector:

Social Care

Contract:

Contract

Hours:

Full Time

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