Are you an experienced placements manager with a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people? Do you thrive in a fast‑paced environment where your decisions directly influence the quality of care and support provided to vulnerable children? If so, we’d love you to join us. Bury Council is seeking a skilled and forward‑thinking Placement Finding and Brokerage Manager to lead and develop our Placement Finding and Brokerage service. This is a pivotal role within our Children and Young People Department, responsible for ensuring that children and young people receive high‑quality, value‑for‑money placements that meet their needs at the right time.
Responsibilities
* Manage and continuously develop the Placement Finding and Brokerage Service.
* Ensure the Council meets its statutory sufficiency duties under the Children Act 1989.
* Oversee and coordinate the end‑to‑end commissioning cycle for independent foster, residential and supported accommodation placements and care packages.
* Work collaboratively with social workers, commissioning colleagues, health partners, providers, families and young people.
* Drive service improvement to strengthen placement sufficiency and quality and ensure placements represent value for money.
* Provide expert advice, maintain strong partnership relationships, and contribute to local, regional and GM‑wide commissioning work.
Qualifications
* Strong understanding of legislation related to children’s social care and SEND.
* Knowledge of commissioning, contracting and market development.
* Understanding of performance frameworks, contract monitoring, and regulatory requirements.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Ability to analyse complex information and make sound decisions.
* Skilled in negotiation, influencing and managing relationships.
* Strategic thinker with the ability to problem‑solve and improve systems and processes.
* Proven experience in commissioning, placement finding and brokerage.
* Experience managing teams and driving service improvements.
* Experience collaborating with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
EEO Statement
We guarantee an interview for disabled people, looked‑after children/care leavers, armed forces personnel (including reservists and veterans) and carers of adults or disabled children if they meet the essential criteria.
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