Commissioning Lead
Permanent
Full Time, 37 hours per week
£44,434 to £52,275 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style:
Closing Date: 25th January 2026
Are you passionate about improving employment outcomes and building strong partnerships with employers and service providers? Do you have experience in commissioning and contract management, with a focus on delivering real impact for communities?
We’re looking for a dynamic and strategic Commissioning Lead to join our team and lead areas of delivery of the Connect to Work programme – a key initiative designed to support residents into sustainable employment through high-quality, contracted services.
About the Role
As Commissioning Lead, you will:
1. Lead the commissioning and contract management of a major employability programme, ensuring services are responsive, high-performing, and deliver value for money.
2. Oversee the performance of a contracted provider, ensuring effective delivery of participant engagement, employer engagement, and employment outcomes.
3. Use data and insight to monitor impact, identify areas for improvement, and drive continuous service enhancement.
4. Build strong relationships with employers, industry bodies, and public sector partners to support collaborative working and maximise opportunities for participants.
5. Provide day-to-day leadership to a small commissioning team, ensuring timely and effective delivery of programme objectives.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone who can bring:
6. Proven experience in commissioning, contract management, or programme delivery in employability, skills, or economic development.
7. Expertise in Individual Placement and Support (IPS) and Supported Employment Quality Framework (SCQF), to ensure effective oversight and quality assurance when contract managing a major external delivery partner on the Connect to Work programme.
8. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to inform decisions and improve outcomes.
9. Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, particularly with employers, service providers, and public sector partners.
10. A proactive, collaborative approach and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Why Join Us?
This is a fantastic opportunity to shape a high-impact programme that supports people into work and strengthens local economies. You’ll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team committed to innovation, inclusion, and making a difference
Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about
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Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
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