Strategic Commissioning Officer

Venn Group; Devon and Torbay; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Devon is seeking a Strategic Commissioning Officer within Children’s Services to enhance outcomes for children and families. The role involves leading commissioning programmes across various services. Candidates should have significant experience in commissioning, contract management, and partnership working. This is a full-time, hybrid role with an initial duration of 3 months. Knowledge of safeguarding and statutory responsibilities is essential for success in this key position.

Qualifications

• Significant experience of commissioning within Children’s Services or local government.
• Ability to lead strategic commissioning programmes and service design.
• Experience collaborating with stakeholders for joint commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of commissioning strategies for Children’s Services.
• Manage commissioned services including procurement and performance monitoring.
• Work collaboratively with partners to deliver integrated commissioning solutions.

Skills

Commissioning experience

Contract management

Partnership working

Analytical skills

Understanding of safeguarding

Job description

Devon based Council are seeking a Strategic Commissioning Officer within Children’s Services to play a key role in shaping and delivering high-quality, value-for-money services that improve outcomes for children, young people and their families. Working as part of the Children’s Services Commissioning Team, as well as the Housing and Place directorate, the postholder will lead commissioning programmes and manage a portfolio of services across the full commissioning cycle, from needs analysis and service design through to procurement, contract management and performance monitoring.

Location: Devon

Set-up: Hybrid (TBC)

Rate:£DoE

Duration: Initial 3 months (Project to be completed by March 31st 2026)

Hours:Full-time position (37-hours)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of commissioning strategies and programmes across Children’s Services to improve outcomes for children, young people and families
• Manage a portfolio of commissioned services, overseeing the full commissioning cycle including service design, procurement, contract management and performance monitoring
• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners (including Health, Adult Social Care, VCSE and regional authorities) to deliver integrated, joint and co‑produced commissioning solutions
• Use data, needs analysis and market intelligence to shape evidence-based, innovative and value‑for‑money services aligned to statutory duties and local priorities
• Support and deputise for the Head of Children’s Services Commissioning, contributing to system‑wide transformation and the One Children’s Services Vision

Experience

• Significant experience of commissioning and/or contract management within Children’s Services, local government, health or a related public sector environment
• Proven ability to lead or contribute to strategic commissioning programmes, including service design, procurement and performance management
• Experience of partnership working, joint commissioning and co‑production with a wide range of stakeholders, including families and the VCSE sector
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data, needs analysis and demand forecasting to inform strategic decision-making
• Demonstrable understanding of safeguarding, statutory responsibilities, and the regulatory and policy context for Children’s Services

At Venn Group, we endeavour to respond to all applications However due to the volume of applications we receive, if you have not heard from us within 48 hours please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion