Commissioning Officer

Leicestershire County Council; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Leicestershire County Council is seeking a professional to oversee quality assurance and contract monitoring for educational services aimed at children and young people. This role involves brokerage and negotiation for placements, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations while supporting children with complex needs. Applicants should hold an NVQ4 or equivalent, possess strong relationship-building skills, and be proficient in Microsoft Office applications, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive services.

Qualifications

• Experience or familiarity with settings for children with complex needs.
• High competency in Word, Excel, and Outlook for data analysis and reports.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quality assurance meetings and visits.
• Complete annual contract management meetings.
• Broker education services and placements.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Brokerage and Negotiation

Governance and Procurement

Problem-solving

Relationship Management

Data Analysis and Reporting

Education

NVQ4 or equivalent qualification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

About the Role

Successful candidates can expect to undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Quality Assurance - Undertake quality assurance meetings and visits with providers such as Independent Non-Maintained Special Schools and Alternative Provisions, as well as other commissioned providers delivering services to children and young people who may have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
• Contract Monitoring and Review - Complete annual contract management meetings with the above providers to ensure services are delivered in line with contractual expectations and achieve positive outcomes for children, young people and their families/carers.
• Brokerage and Negotiation – Broker education services and placements for young people, including Independent and Non‑Maintained Special School placements and other commissioned education services and manage all associated tasks relating to the brokerage of education services as required.
• Governance and Procurement - Support the commissioning of services across the Children and Family Service ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and local Contract Procedure Rules and coordinate internal commissioning requests, ensuring a focus on outcomes and value for money

Whilst the post will initially sit within the Education, Inclusion and Additional Needs Team, the Commissioning Service also provides support for Targeted Early Help and Children’s Social Care Services. At times, due to service demands and/or changes in the way that the service operations, successful candidates may also cover duties in those areas.

For information on our approach to the recruitment of ex-offenders, please see our policy statement.

About You

To apply for this post, you must:

• NVQ4 or equivalent qualification or equivalent work experience , Previous professional experience or familiarity with settings as named above and knowledge and understanding of working with and meeting the needs of children and young people (and their families/carers) with complex needs, including Children in Care, children and young people with Special Education Needs and Disabilities and the ability to work with operational staff and providers and build relationships
• Have high levels of competency in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook in order to undertake detailed analysis/evaluation of data and preparation of written and financial reports and also the ability to prioritise, work to deadlines and deliver several written reports within agreed time frames.
• Proven ability to prioritise, work to deadlines and deliver a number of smaller projects simultaneously.
• Proven ability to develop credible and collaborative relationships with internal and external partners and across multi-disciplinary boundaries and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to problem-solve and to constructively challenge existing customs and practices.
• An understanding of commissioning practices and the Commissioning Cycle, with the ability to apply these principles to day‑to‑day work
• An understanding of the outcomes required to ensure meaningful activities, respite opportunities, care packages and educational placements for children and young people

In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process.

Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.