Commissioning Support Officer (Strategic Commissioning - Older People's Residential and Nursing)

Buckinghamshire Council; Aylesbury; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

A local council authority in Buckinghamshire is seeking a motivated Commissioning Support Officer to join their Commissioning and Procurement Hub. This role involves supporting strategic projects and enhancing service quality, particularly in residential care for the elderly. The successful candidate will benefit from flexible working arrangements and various employee perks aimed at promoting work-life balance and career development.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Discounts on local establishments

Generous Pension Scheme

Discounted gym memberships

Inclusivity initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting or coordinating projects.
• Attention to detail with effective presentation skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload and manage conflicting demands.
• Understanding of commissioning and procurement is a plus.
• Full driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Support strategic commissioning projects with project management.
• Collate and format data for needs assessments.
• Monitor spend and support financial oversight.

Skills

Project coordination

Strong communication skills

IT skills, especially Excel

Financial oversight

Organizational skills

Solution-focused mindset

Education

A-level/NVQ3/HNC or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We’re looking for a motivated Commissioning Support Officer to join our Commissioning and Procurement Hub, helping to shape services and contribute to meaningful work that improves lives across Buckinghamshire. The Commissioning and Procurement Hub brings together strategic commissioners with operational commissioning, including quality and placements, and procurement colleagues. By combining our skills, experiences and lessons learned, we ensure the most effective approach to supporting all stages of the commissioning cycle, complementing other Council teams to maximise the quality and value for money for our residents. You’ll play a vital role in delivering strategic projects and supporting service improvement in a dynamic and varied role that sits at the heart of our Hub, with a predominant focus on residential and nursing care for over‑65s.

Responsibilities

• Project Management and Administration: support strategic commissioning projects by maintaining project plans, tracking milestones, coordinating activities; support contract management by coordinating provider meetings, tracking performance data and ensuring timely follow‑up on actions to drive service quality and accountability; monitor progress and support delivery of the team's workplan; organise workshops and stakeholder events to support co‑production and market engagement.
• Data, Systems & IT: collate and format data for needs assessments and contract monitoring; use Microsoft Office systems to analyse data, produce reports, and present findings; maintain accurate records and support system‑based processes across commissioning activities.
• Financial Administration: monitor spend and support financial oversight of commissioned services; ensure value for money and compliance with financial procedures.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting or co‑ordinating projects and teams to meet service targets or deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail, with the ability to present information to colleagues and stakeholders effectively.
• Excellent IT skills, confident with Excel, and an aptitude for use of systems and databases.
• An understanding of administration and financial processes and budget monitoring.
• Good planning and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workload, manage conflicting demands and work under pressure.
• A solution‑focused mindset, always looking for ways to improve processes and outcomes.
• An understanding of local government and/or adult social care and health and the challenges facing these areas.
• An understanding of commissioning and/or procurement, or a willingness to learn.
• Educated to A‑level/NVQ3/HNC or equivalent.
• A full driving licence is required to be able to carry out the role.

Working Hours

We welcome applications from individuals seeking substantial part‑time employment (4 days per week) or as part of a job share arrangement. As an “any‑desk” worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, which can be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, or visit services within the community, depending on your role and team requirements.

About Buckinghamshire Council

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy. By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect a fair and inclusive culture, the chance to really make a difference to those around you, health and well‑being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops, a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group, ongoing support, the opportunity to develop and progress in your career, and opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events.

Benefits

• Flexible and agile working arrangements that promote work‑life balance.
• Discounts on various cafés, restaurants, shops and auto‑enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme.
• Opportunity to gain membership to Costco.
• Discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.
• A supportive, inclusive, and accessible workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve.