Job title
Commissioning Officer – Value for Money (PO2)
Location & Contract
Kernel House, Leeds – 12‑month temporary contract (37 hours per week)
About You
As a Commissioning Officer you will bring to the role:
* Experience in commissioning, project management or front‑line working with children and families.
* Flexibility to contribute to all aspects of commissioning, contract management and quality assurance.
* A passion for learning and the ability to challenge and drive change.
* A restorative mind‑set focused on improving outcomes for children and young people.
* The ability to use own initiative and take ownership of work programme.
About The Role
Leeds City Council’s Children and Families Commissioning & Market Management Service is responsible for commissioning 100+ contracts worth approximately £20 million per year and an additional >£50 million spend on placements and SEND learning. The service covers family support, early help, placements, SEND, regional and national adoption, youth services, learning inclusion and regional commissioning.
* Deliver outstanding outcomes for children, cost improvement and value for money using innovative approaches and agile responses.
* Embed safeguarding, equality and quality assurance across commissioning activity.
* Commission services based on evidence and value for money, supported by a bespoke brokerage team.
What We Offer You
* A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
* Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
* A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
* Staff benefits to boost wellbeing and help you manage costs.
Responsibilities
* Manage and supervise the Contract‑co‑ordinator and deputise for the Team Manager when necessary.
* Use project management techniques to support strategic review of services, commissioning of new services and re‑commissioning/decommissioning of existing services.
* Coordinate joint working within the directorate, across the council and with external partners.
* Responsible for contract management of a portfolio of services, ensuring value for money and quality standards.
* Develop and manage project meetings, including key stakeholders in any commissioning outcome.
* Facilitate children and young people’s voice in all aspects of commissioning.
* Adopt a restorative approach in interactions with colleagues, providers, service users and stakeholders.
* Prepare complex information for briefing to senior officers, elected members and staff.
* Evaluate projects and contracts, collect and analyse performance data, benchmark and report.
* Work with Corporate Procurement Team to support procurement of commissioned services.
* Support development of policy and strategy related to commissioning services.
* Ensure due regard to equality and diversity when designing, delivering or reviewing services.
* Assist in ensuring compliance with governance and procedural requirements relating to commissioning, contract management, procurement and financial management.
* Provide effective line management and supervision where required.
* Maximise resources for the City, supporting partnerships and service area bids for resources.
* Ensure commissioning activity takes place within available budgets and efficiency targets are met.
Essential Requirements
* Excellent communication skills, ability to influence, negotiate and establish credibility.
* Flexible across different work locations and areas as appropriate.
* Knowledge of evidence‑based approaches for children, young people and families.
* Understanding of provider markets and role of third sector.
* Understanding of Child Friendly City concept and child and young people’s voice.
* Knowledge of commissioning principles and practice, including cycle and procurement.
* Understanding of contract management, performance and risk management.
* Knowledge of council decision‑making processes and proficiency in MS Office and IT packages.
* Knowledge of local and national issues impacting the service and ability to link to needs of children and young people.
* Relevant technical skills, qualifications, membership of professional bodies and commitment to ongoing professional development.
* Experience of working within a multi‑agency environment and forging successful partnerships.
Desirable Requirements
* Creative and innovative problem‑solving skills.
* Familiarity with key partner working practices across education, early years, youth work, family support and complex needs.
* Experience of improvement methodologies to drive service improvement.
* Knowledge of welfare benefits legislation.
* Management/supervisory experience in children’s services environment.
* Experience of developing and managing strategies leading to successful outcomes for children.
* Experience of supporting and developing individuals and teams.
* Experience of staff management and financial accountability within recognised rules and procedures.
* Experience of health & safety, risk management and safeguarding practices (including CSE).
How to Apply
Apply for this job online. For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Lucie Yardley‑Fear at lucie.fear@leeds.gov.uk.
EEO Statement
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. Women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people are particularly encouraged to apply.
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