Service Director - Children's Commissioning & Performance

Local Government Chronicle; West of England; On-site; GBP 102,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional authority is seeking a Service Director for Children's Commissioning & Performance to lead the commissioning service aimed at improving outcomes for children and young people. Responsibilities include strategic leadership and ensuring effective commissioning standards. This permanent position offers a competitive salary up to £121k, with applications close on 13 November.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of the commissioning landscape in social care or education.
• Experience in leading complex commissioning work.
• Ability to drive improvements and lead high standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead a self-improving commissioning service with a focus on positive outcomes.
• Apply knowledge of the commissioning landscape to drive delivery and improvements.
• Provide strategic leadership to ensure effective commissioning.

Skills

Knowledge of the commissioning landscape

Leadership experience

Collaboration skills

Job description

Overview

Service Director - Children\'s Commissioning & Performance — to £121k

Somerset Council is building a solid reputation for delivery and is focused on improving outcomes for children and young people. Our plan was co-produced with the input of thousands of children across Somerset, and we are committed to delivering a stable, high-quality service with strong education, mental health and wellbeing outcomes.

As a new organisation, we are looking for an experienced, focused commissioning professional to lead a self-improving service that sets itself the highest standards in social care and education commissioning.

Please visit our careers site to find out more about this opportunity. Closing date: 13 November.

Responsibilities

• Lead a self-improving commissioning service with a focus on achieving high standards and positive outcomes for children and young people.
• Apply extensive and sophisticated knowledge of the commissioning landscape to drive delivery and improvements.
• Collaborate across teams and partners to implement the Children\'s plan and related reforms.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction to ensure effective commissioning, safeguarding and educational outcomes.

Qualifications

• Extensive and sophisticated knowledge of the commissioning landscape in social care or education.
• Experience in leading complex commissioning work and driving improvements from the front.
• Courage and skillset to lead vital work and deliver high standards.

Details

• Location: Somerset, UK
• Contract type: Permanent
• Published: 23 Oct 2025
• Closing date: 13 November

How to apply

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