Six-month fixed-term opportunity, with the potential of role permanency. The successful candidate will be responsible for the commissioning, procurement, market management and contract oversight of SEND services for children and young people aged 0-25. The postholder will ensure services are high-quality, outcome-focused, cost-effective, and aligned with local needs and statutory requirements. Reporting to the Head of Service for Commissioning and Contracts for a specific market, the post holder is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the commissioning and contractual aspects of all relevant contracts within their market area, in line with the service strategy. To ensure the development of high-quality evidence-based services which meet identified local needs in line with nationally and locally agreed strategic priorities and deliver value for money. This role aligns the contract and commissioning functions to ensure that every contract is meaningful, outcomes-based, and demonstrates value for money., Supporting the development of joint commissioning strategies to develop and improve services across the Children's Directorate. The key objectives are:
Key Objectives
* Development of multi‑agency strategies to inform decisions about the future shape of services, both statutory and non‑statutory, in order to meet the needs of Children across North Northamptonshire
* Robust needs analysis of the local population.
* Mapping of existing service provision with identification of service gaps.
* Procurement of services with a clear service specification of what needs to be provided to meet the service outcomes.
* Contract Management and review of contracts with associated Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and performance monitoring arrangements in place.
The postholder plays a key role in supporting the development of SEND provision and services across a complex and high‑pressure system with rising demand, national reforms, and significant financial challenges. The Commissioning Manager is central to:
* Supporting sufficiency planning and SEND Transformation.
* Developing the SEND provider market.
* Supporting High Needs recovery and sustainability.
* Ensuring effective, lawful, and efficient placement commissioning.
The role requires cross‑agency working, strategic thinking and the ability to translate evidence into commissioning decisions.
Our values define who we are and how we operate, forming the foundation for how we interact with our customers, colleagues and provide our services. They are also at the forefront of our decision making and delivery and are: Customer‑focused, Respectful, Efficient, Supportive, Trustworthy. Our key commitments help ensure that the priorities we make, now and in the future, maintain the necessary breadth of focus in those areas that we believe matter most.
Qualifications
* A degree or qualification or equivalent experience in commissioning.
* Understanding of risk assessment and management.
* Practical and legal knowledge of contractual compliance.
* Ability to develop strong relationships.
* Excellent communication skills, influencing and negotiation.
* Understanding relevant regulatory and legal requirements.
* Good attention to detail.
* Able to work as part of a team and support others.
* A passion to support the Children and Families of North Northants.
Benefits
* An Employee Assistance Programme.
* An Employee Benefits Scheme.
* Wellbeing support.
* Travel rates at HMRC rates.
* Support for a range of active Employee Network Groups.
What We Offer
* A competitive salary.
* A pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. It provides life cover and ill‑health protection.
* Lots of opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council.
* Generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days.
* Hybrid and flexible working arrangements, where practicable for service needs to help you with a healthy work‑life balance.
Here at North Northamptonshire Council, we’re transforming for the better, using all our creativity and imagination to create the best life for our local people.
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