Contracts, Commissioning and Placements Officer

ZipRecruiter; Bury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Bury Council is seeking a Contracts, Commissioning & Placements Officer to enhance outcomes for children. This role involves sourcing placements and managing contracts within Children's Services, contributing significantly to service improvement and strategic development. If you have experience in commissioning and a strong understanding of children’s services, this could be a fulfilling opportunity.

Qualifications

• Experience in social care or public sector commissioning is crucial.
• Strong understanding of children's services is required.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Source and support quality placements for looked after children.
• Manage financial aspects including invoices and budgets.
• Liaise with stakeholders and ensure compliance with standards.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Analytical approach

Education

Experience in commissioning, procurement, or contract management

Understanding of safeguarding and relevant legislation

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job DescriptionContracts, Commissioning & Placements Officer
Location: Bury Council – Children’s Services (based at 3 Knowsley Place, with flexibility across the borough)
Hours: 37 hours per week (subject to the Council’s Flexitime Scheme)

Are you an experienced professional with a passion for improving outcomes for children and people? Bury Council is looking for a Contracts, Commissioning & Placements Officer to join our Children’s Commissioning Team.

In this crucial role, you will work closely with Children’s Social Care to source and coordinate high-quality placements that meet the individual needs of our looked after children and people. You’ll play a key role in commissioning services, managing contracts, and ensuring financial accountability across a range of placements including residential care, supported accommodation, and independent fostering arrangements.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Sourcing and supporting the provision of placements based on quality, suitability, and value for money
  
  
  




• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders including providers, social workers, and other local authorities
  
  
  




• Reviewing referrals and ensuring compliance with data protection and audit standards
  
  
  




• Managing financial aspects of placements including raising purchase orders, processing invoices, and forecasting budgets
  
  
  




• Supporting strategic commissioning and contract development across Children’s Services
  
  
  




• Contributing to regional commissioning initiatives and quarterly reporting
  
  
  

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience within commissioning, procurement, or contract management, ideally within a social care or public sector setting
  
  
  




• Strong understanding of children’s services, safeguarding, and relevant legislation
  
  
  




• Excellent organisational and communication skills
  
  
  




• Competency in using IT systems including Microsoft Excel and databases for financial and placement tracking
  
  
  




• A proactive, analytical approach to problem-solving and service improvement
  
  
  

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and people while contributing to the strategic development of services across the borough.

To apply or learn more, please contact John Deane at [e-mail].