Commissioning Lead
Northamptonshire Children's Trust | Flexible Working | Salary around £500 per day (Inside IR35)
Northamptonshire Children's Trust is recruiting a Commissioning Lead to help shape and improve services for children in care, care leavers and vulnerable families across the county. This role plays a key part in making sure the right support is in place, at the right time, and delivered to a high standard.
As a Commissioning Lead, you'll take responsibility for developing and delivering commissioning strategies that meet local needs and reflect national and local priorities. The role exists "to take a lead in the commissioning of support for vulnerable children, young people and families" and to ensure services are "high quality, evidence based and meet identified local need."
You'll work closely with partners across health, education, housing, the voluntary sector and other agencies, and you'll lead on specific service areas or customer groups within Children's Services.
Leading the development of commissioning strategies that improve outcomes for children in care and care leavers.
Acting as the Trust's lead officer for commissioning services within your allocated service areas.
Working with children, young people, families and stakeholders to shape services through co‑production.
Analysing local needs, mapping current provision and identifying service gaps.
Leading procurement activity, including service specifications, tender documentation, evaluation and contract award.
Managing contracts, monitoring performance and taking action where services fall below required standards.
Ensuring services offer good value for money and meet statutory requirements.
Working with partners to maintain strong relationships and ensure joined‑up support.
Managing and supervising staff as required.
You'll bring substantial experience in commissioning services for children and young people, along with a strong understanding of public sector commissioning, procurement and contract management. You'll be confident working with legislation such as the Children and Families Act, the Care Act and wider social care frameworks.
You'll also have:
Experience leading complex or joint commissioning programmes.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well with a wide range of partners.
Experience managing budgets, developing business cases and delivering best value.
A track record of improving service quality and managing provider performance.
Experience leading teams and supporting others through change.
A degree‑level education (or equivalent experience) and a relevant professional qualification or substantial practitioner experience are essential.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. A Standard DBS check is required for this role.
