Job Title: Commissioning Manager – Cared for Children (Interim, up to 4 months) Location: Rochdale (Hybrid – minimum 2 days per week in the office) Hours: 37 per week Rochdale Borough Council is seeking an experienced Commissioning Manager to join our Integrated Commissioning Directorate for a period of up to 4 months. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in supporting our Cared for Children commissioning function, ensuring the best possible outcomes for children and young people across the borough. The Role As a Commissioning Manager, you will: Lead and manage daily placement searches to ensure safe, appropriate, and cost-effective care solutions. Support the Strategic Lead for Children’s Commissioning in the development and delivery of the Care Sufficiency Strategy. Build and maintain positive relationships with providers to support a strong, sustainable local care market. Contribute to service planning, commissioning cycles, and market shaping to meet the needs of children, families, and carers. Play a key role in delivering effective commissioning practice, including contract management, performance monitoring, and ensuring value for money. About You We are looking for someone who can demonstrate: Significant experience in commissioning, ideally within Children’s or Adult Social Care. A track record of working in or alongside a large public sector organisation with multi-agency collaboration. Strong skills in performance and budget management, service redesign, and provider relationship management. Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels. The ability to manage conflict, complexity, and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Flexibility to travel and work to tight deadlines. Experience of managing staff and working within children’s services commissioning would be desirable. Why Join Rochdale? You will be part of a committed, values-driven team working to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people. This hybrid role offers flexibility while ensuring strong collaboration, with a requirement to be in the office at least 2 days per week. How to Apply If you are interested, please send your CV to (url removed). ? Referral Bonus: If you know someone who may be suitable, refer them! If they are successful, you can receive a £250 referral bonus