Strategic Commissioning Officer - 37 hours

Torbay Council; Torquay; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Torquay seeks a Strategic Commissioning Officer to enhance services related to domestic abuse and sexual violence. The role involves leading partnerships, monitoring service quality, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Candidates should have experience in commissioning and be skilled in stakeholder engagement. Strong analytical abilities are essential. The position offers a competitive salary range of £47,181 - £50,269 annually. An Enhanced Criminal Record Check is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in developing and monitoring contract frameworks.
• Experience in negotiating Service Level Agreements.
• Experience in co-production with service users.
• Experience in outcome-based models for care delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic commissioning for domestic abuse and sexual violence.
• Monitor provider performance and service quality.
• Collaborate with partners for joint commissioning initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
• Co-design future service vision and blueprint.

Skills

Ability to negotiate and influence

Ability to analyse and interpret complex information

Decision-making skills

Confident under scrutiny

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Application Deadline: 6 January 2026

Department: Adults & Community Services

Location: Torbay Council

Compensation: £47,181 - £50,269 / year

Description

We are looking for a passionate and highly motivated individual to join our strategic commissioning team as a Strategic Commissioning Officer, to lead our work related to domestic abuse and sexual violence. This role is central to driving delivery of Breaking the Chain, our domestic abuse and sexual violence strategy for 2023‑2030. The successful candidate will work with internal and external partners to support our work to better understand and improve the system response to domestic abuse and sexual violence in Torbay.

You will lead the commissioning of trauma‑informed domestic abuse and sexual violence support services in Torbay, working closely with commissioned and non‑commissioned providers, the community and voluntary sector partnership, and associated partners to ensure services reach as many people as possible and support their safety and recovery.

You will play a pivotal role in connecting with regional commissioning groups and partnerships, collaborating on joint commissioning initiatives and funding bids. This work will be underpinned by a strong understanding of national policy and best practice, advocating for resources to ensure the needs of the Torbay population are met.

In addition to ensuring compliance with our statutory duties under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, you will monitor provider performance through data and qualitative evidence, including the voice of lived and living experience, and provide appropriate challenge and support to ensure that services are of high quality. You will also work collaboratively with others to co‑design and develop the vision and blueprint for future services in Torbay.

You will be part of a dynamic strategic commissioning team focused on improving the lives and outcomes of people living in Torbay. This role is ideal for an experienced commissioner of complex services across partnerships.

This post meets the requirements for an Enhanced Criminal Record Check. This will show spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions which have not been filtered in line with legislation, plus any information held by local Police that is considered relevant to the role.

If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the following URL into your browser: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/strategic-commissioning-officer/

For an informal chat please contact Shirley Beauchamp on 07887255337 or [e-mail]. Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 12th January 2026. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Our adverts do sometimes close early – even where there is a published deadline – so if you’re keen, please apply as soon as possible.

Skills

• Ability to negotiate and influence internal colleagues, other public and private sector organisations, and key partners to secure improved outcomes.
• Ability to assimilate, understand, analyse, interpret and communicate complex information and data to inform decision making.
• Ability to make decisions that may have significant implications for others and confidently provide a rationale.
• Confident and competent when under external and internal scrutiny.
• Ability to work to, and be motivated by, deadlines involving changing problems, circumstances and conflicting priorities.

As this post meets the requirements of the Immigration Act 2016 (part 7), the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Knowledge

• An understanding and comprehension of the Commissioning Cycle.
• An understanding of the current policy agenda in regard to the delivery of integrated care.
• An understanding of the application and impact of eligibility criteria in health and social care services.
• Specialist knowledge of the current trends and issues affecting the commissioning and delivery of social care services.
• Knowledge of current requirements and of the developing agenda about the commissioning of care and specialist housing services.

Experience & Qualifications

• Experience of developing, writing, managing, and monitoring contract frameworks and specification.
• Experience of presentations and facilitating groups.
• Experience of negotiating Service Level Agreements and monitoring performance/making changes to ensure value for money.
• Experience of co‑production and consultation with service users, carers and other key stakeholders in the design and delivery of outcomes‑focused services that meet their needs and aspirations.
• Experience of outcome‑based models for contracting and care delivery.