Strategic Transformation & Commissioning Children’s Services

Wokingham Borough Council; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 61,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Annual Leave

GP Helpline

Employee Assistance Programme

Free Onsite Gym

Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Car andCycle

Local & Lifestyle Discounts

Move through Menopause Course

Sports & Social Group Activities

Job summary

Wokingham Borough Council is looking for a Transformation & Commissioning Manager in Children’s Services to lead a portfolio across Early Help, Social Care, Education and Health. This full-time, permanent role focuses on shaping strategic priorities and improving outcomes for children, young people and families.

With collaboration across the council and partners, you will drive relational commissioning, strengthen partnerships and ensure voices of children and families influence service design

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Significant experience leading strategic transformation programmes within children’s services.
• Proven track record in strategic commissioning, including service design, procurement, contract management and performance monitoring.
• Experience overseeing multiple programmes or a portfolio of work with interdependencies and strategic priorities.
• Strong knowledge of at least one area of children’s services and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills with ability to produce reports and influence senior stakeholders.
• Collaborative, inclusive leadership with commitment to equity, innovation and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and provide strategic oversight across a portfolio of transformation and commissioning programmes aligned to strategic priorities and local needs.
• Develop commissioning strategies and manage the full commissioning cycle, including needs assessment, service design, procurement, contract management and performance monitoring.
• Coordinate complex programmes of change, managing interdependencies, risks, budgets and delivery against agreed outcomes and timescales.
• Shape and develop the provider market to support a diverse, high-quality and sustainable service offer that delivers value for money.
• Build strong partnerships across the council, health, education, providers and the voluntary and community sector, representing the service at strategic boards and multi‑agency forums.
• Embed co‑production and participation so that children, young people and families meaningfully influence planning, commissioning, service design and evaluation.
• Provide high‑quality reports, briefings and presentations to senior leaders, elected members and stakeholders, using evidence and insight to support decision‑making.
• Lead, support and develop Transformation and Commissioning Officers, promoting innovation, continuous improvement and shared accountability.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Collaborative leadership

Equity & inclusion

Change management

Education

Degree level or equivalent

Job description

Wokingham Borough Council is looking for a Transformation & Commissioning Manager in Children’s Services to lead a portfolio across Early Help, Social Care, Education and Health. This full-time, permanent role focuses on shaping strategic priorities and improving outcomes for children, young people and families.

With collaboration across the council and partners, you will drive relational commissioning, strengthen partnerships and ensure voices of children and families influence service design