Strategic Head of External Programmes & Commissioning

Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership; Stafford; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Staffordshire County Council is seeking a strategic Head of Service for External Programmes and Commissioning to lead the design, delivery and improvement of commissioned services for children, young people and families. You will drive partnerships, governance and value-for-money delivery while ensuring statutory responsibilities are met.

The role requires senior experience in government-funded programmes, extensive knowledge of children's services and capability to lead complex change in a

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading government-funded programmes and commissioning child-focused services within a multi-agency environment.
• Strong professional knowledge of children's services design and commissioning, with experience delivering innovative and efficient services.
• Experience leading service development, organisational change, contract redesign and transformation programmes.
• In-depth understanding of relevant legislation, statutory frameworks and best practice across children's services, including social care, education, youth services and SEND.
• Experience developing and monitoring performance frameworks, quality assurance arrangements and market management approaches.
• Experience producing high-quality impact reports and presenting outcomes to a broad range of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development, commissioning and delivery of programmes and services that support children, young people and families across Staffordshire.
• Oversee service design, procurement, commissioning and contract management activity, ensuring services remain effective, sustainable and responsive to need.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with internal teams, providers, community organisations and multi-agency partners to improve outcomes for families.
• Lead performance, quality assurance and outcomes monitoring, using evidence and feedback to drive continuous improvement and demonstrate impact.
• Manage significant budgets, funding streams and resources, ensuring value for money, effective governance and successful delivery of change programmes.
• Champion co-production and ensure the voices of children, young people, parents and carers shape service design, delivery and evaluation.

Job description

Staffordshire County Council is seeking a strategic Head of Service for External Programmes and Commissioning to lead the design, delivery and improvement of commissioned services for children, young people and families. You will drive partnerships, governance and value-for-money delivery while ensuring statutory responsibilities are met.

The role requires senior experience in government-funded programmes, extensive knowledge of children's services and capability to lead complex change in a