Lead Resources Officer Child Commissioning

Civic Recruitment Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bi-Weekly Pay

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking a seasoned Lead Resources Officer (Children's Commissioning) to join Hackney's integrated commissioning service. You will oversee a team and manage complex placements, ensuring high-quality, cost-efficient services for vulnerable children and families.

Based in London Borough of Hackney, the role covers supervision, contract negotiations, and provider oversight within a fast-paced public sector environment. Bi-Weekly pay and a 3-month contract are offered.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Children's Services commissioning, placements, brokerage, resources, or procurement.
• Experience in managing care packages, residential placements, supported accommodation, and education provision.
• Strong understanding of Children's Social Care, Looked After Children, Care Leavers, SEND, and Commissioning Markets.
• Experience in contract management, quality assurance, provider monitoring, and service reviews.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment with staff coaching/mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Develop and source intricate care, support, and educational packages for children and young people.
• Oversee high-cost and complex placements within regulated environments.
• Ensure commissioned services maintain quality, cost-effectiveness, and positive outcomes.
• Evaluate placement arrangements and address cost concerns as needed.
• Assist in sufficiency planning and market development initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Financial monitoring

Contract management

Mentoring

Education

Social Work

Education

Youth Work

Commissioning

Job description

Lead Resources Officer Child Commissioning

Hackney, United Kingdom | Posted on 30/09/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

Lead Resources Officer (Children's Commissioning) – 3 Month Contract

Location: London Borough of Hackney

Contract: 3 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Summary

Hackney Council is on the lookout for a seasoned Lead Resources Officer to enhance its Children's Integrated Commissioning Service. This pivotal position within the Commissioning & Resources Hub is essential for managing and delivering tailored care, support, and educational packages for children and young people. Collaborating with Children's Social Care, Education, Public Health, and Health services, your role will ensure services are effectively commissioned, cost-efficient, and yield positive outcomes for children and families. The ideal candidate will oversee daily operations, handle complex commissioning cases, offer expert guidance, and manage the allocation of work while supporting a team of up to nine members.

Key Responsibilities

Children's Commissioning & Placement Management

• Develop and source intricate care, support, and educational packages for children and young people.
• Oversee high-cost and complex placements within regulated environments.
• Ensure commissioned services maintain quality, cost-effectiveness, and deliver positive results.
• Evaluate placement arrangements and address cost concerns as needed.
• Assist in sufficiency planning and market development initiatives.

Operational Leadership

• Aid the Resources Manager in the daily operations of the Commissioning & Resources Hub.
• Serve as Duty Manager, managing work allocation and resource prioritization.
• Offer coaching, mentoring, and technical support to team members.
• Stand in for the Resources Manager when necessary.
• Uphold high practice standards and foster continuous improvement.

Contract & Provider Management

• Collaborate with independent providers to sustain quality services.
• Conduct service evaluations and contract monitoring.
• Assist in contract negotiations and annual fee review processes.
• Address contract compliance issues and performance concerns.
• Perform quality assurance visits and provider audits.

Financial & Performance Management

• Manage a commissioning portfolio valued at up to £50 million.
• Track expenditure, placement costs, and financial performance.
• Analyze trends, needs, performance, and demand data.
• Generate reports and recommendations for senior management.
• Identify opportunities to enhance value for money and service delivery.

Stakeholder & Partnership Working

• Cultivate effective relationships with:
  • Social Workers
  • Education Services
  • Health Professionals
  • Independent Providers
  • Voluntary Sector Organizations
  • Senior Managers
• Participate in panels, review meetings, and decision-making forums.
• Contribute to commissioning projects, business cases, and procurement activities.

Service Improvement

• Support commissioning projects and transformation programs.
• Engage in market analysis, options appraisals, and procurement activities.
• Advocate for Hackney's Systemic, Trauma-Informed and Anti-Racist (STAR) practice model.
• Ensure commissioning processes adhere to compliance and best practices.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in Children's Services commissioning, placements, brokerage, resources, or procurement.
• Proven track record in commissioning and managing:
  • Care Packages
  • Residential Placements
  • Supported Accommodation
  • Education Provision
• Strong understanding of:
  • Children's Social Care
  • Looked After Children
  • Care Leavers
  • SEND
  • Children's Commissioning Markets
• Experience in:
  • Contract Management
  • Quality Assurance
  • Provider Monitoring
  • Service Reviews
• Proficient in managing complex stakeholder relationships.
• Skilled in negotiating with providers to ensure value for money.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and financial monitoring capabilities.
• Experience in supervising, coaching, mentoring, or supporting staff.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and demanding environment.

• Qualifications in Social Work, Education, Youth Work, or Commissioning.
• Experience in Local Government commissioning.
• Familiarity with placement panels and funding panels.
• Knowledge of procurement and contract regulations.

What's on Offer?

• 3 Month Contract
• Bi-Weekly Pay
• Opportunity to work within a well-established Children’s Integrated Commissioning Service.
• Engagement in complex commissioning, placement sourcing, and provider management.
• Leadership responsibilities with opportunities to coach and support team members.
• Chance to influence outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Lead Resources Officer, Senior Placements Officer, Brokerage Manager, Children's Commissioning Officer, Placement Finding Officer, Commissioning & Resources Officer, Children's Brokerage Lead, Placements Team Leader, or Children's Services Commissioning Specialist.