Description
* Suffolk County Council
* Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX - Hybrid
* Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)
* Hours: hours per week
* Contract: Various
Posts available:
Post 1: 25.5 hours per week, Permanent
Post 2: 37 hours per week, Permanent
Post 3: 37 hours per week, Fixed Term or Secondment for 12 months
We're focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. How? By listening to our people learning from what they say and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things. As a Commissioning and Contracts Officer you'll be as keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are. So, to make a positive impact, connect with us and connect with a fantastic career.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
We're looking for someone who brings experience, commercial awareness, and enthusiasm to Adult Social Care (ASC). You'll help to manage a portfolio of providers across the county, ensuring services remain high‑quality, financially sustainable, and focused on great outcomes.
You will:
* provide robust contract oversight across multiple services
* prioritise workload based on risk, performance, and impact
* review performance information and work with providers to address under‑performance
* contribute to reporting systems that highlight contract risk and importance
* support financial viability, quality, and outcome‑focused delivery
* support development of new service proposals and delivery models
* use market research to identify trends, gaps, and future needs
* contribute to shaping service specifications and standard
* support procurement activity in line with legislation and policy
* build strong working relationships with providers, partners, and stakeholders
* support day‑to‑day supplier relationship management and communication.
You will need:
* Level 5 qualification in a relevant area, such as health, social care, contracting or business management or equivalent level of knowledge and proven experience
* strong communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships
* good organisational skills and confidence managing competing priorities
* curiosity and analytical ability to interpret information and performance data
* openness to change and a willingness to bring new ideas and approaches
* an understanding of contract or relationship management
* experience working with providers, partners, or stakeholders to improve services
* the ability to use data, key performance indicators (KPIs), or feedback to support decision‑making.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
* We play a key role in shaping adult social care services across Suffolk. Our purpose is simple: to ensure services are well-designed, sustainable, and meet real needs
* We work closely with providers, social work teams, health partners, and communities to co-produce solutions that help people live more independently, safely, and with dignity
* Our culture is collaborative and supportive - we share ideas, celebrate wins, and tackle challenges together. We are agile and responsive, always adapting to the needs of the market and those we serve
* We practice hybrid working, with most of us in the office on two days each week to connect face-to-face while enjoying remote flexibility.
Empowering Everyone
We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
For post 1 please contact Sue Renaut for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling or emailing
Alternatively for post 2 and 3 please contact Teresa Pryce for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling or emailing
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word).
Step 2 - Click 'Apply Now' to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement Template.
1. Describe a time when you supported or led contract management activity. Explain the situation, your role, the actions you took, and the impact this had on service quality, performance or cost‑effectiveness.
2. Describe a situation where you effectively managed relationships with internal or external stakeholders, such as providers, partners or social work teams. How did you ensure productive communication and alignment?
3. Give an example of how you have applied principles such as prevention, independence, personalisation or partnership working in your role. How did this support service users or service delivery?
4. Describe a situation where your behaviour demonstrated organisational values such as collaboration, improvement, responsibility, equality or innovation. How did your actions make a positive difference?
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at or
You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you're invited to the next stage, you'll have another chance to request adjustments.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 25 February 2026.
Interview date: 9th and 11th March
Promoted as FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid