Job Description
Salary: £75,312 - £87,033 per annum (pro rata if part-time)
Grade: I
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
We are seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Head of Children's Commissioning to lead our commissioning function at a crucial and exciting point in our journey.
As a council, we are undertaking a strategic review of our commissioning arrangements to ensure they are fit for the future, aligned with the needs of our communities as we become an Enabling Council. This review presents a unique opportunity to shape the way we work, strengthen our approach, and embed a commissioning model that is sustainable, consistent innovative, and outcome-focused.
During this period of change, we are committed to delivering high-quality, safe, and effective commissioned services for our children, young people, and families. Your leadership will be central to ensuring we continue to meet this commitment.
About the Role
In this senior leadership position, you will:
* Lead and develop the Children’s Commissioning team through a period of transformation.
* Drive strategic commissioning across early help, social care, SEND, placements, and wider children’s services.
* Build productive partnerships with providers, stakeholders, and system leaders.
* Ensure best value, strong quality assurance, and positive outcomes for children and young people.
* Contribute to strategic decision‑making across the directorate and wider council.
* Contribute to our decisions about, and delivery of, our future commissioning arrangements.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
* Brings significant experience in commissioning for children’s services.
* Can operate confidently at a strategic level while maintaining a strong grasp of operational realities.
* Has the resilience, creativity, and leadership skills to guide teams through change.
* Is motivated by improving the lives of children and young people.
* Works collaboratively and builds strong relationships in complex systems.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to lead meaningful change, shape a new commissioning landscape, and make a profound difference for children and young people in our community. You will join a council that is committed, ambitious, and determined to deliver the highest standards of care and support.
DBS Check: Basic (DBS) check is required for this post.
Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 19.03.2026
Closing Date (Internal & External): 06.04.2026
Interview Date: 22.04.2026
If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact: Michele Lucas - mlucas@thurrock.gov.uk
Please follow the link below for the Job Profile and Person Specification.
Download JD
If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.
About Us
Why Thurrock?
Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.
Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.
This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.
Our location
Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.
We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.
Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.
Staff benefits
We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.
Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.
We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.
For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council
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