Overview
The Commissioning and Partnerships Manager will lead the development, management and implementation of commissioning across the full range of services and need areas in the region. Reporting to the Senior Commissioning and Partnership Manager, the role will line‑manage the Commissioning and Partnerships Officer(s) and any additional staff. The position involves working closely with operational and contract managers, commercial colleagues, policy leads, external partners, providers and service users to identify service needs, review existing services, build partnerships, design new services, source providers and monitor the effectiveness of commissioned services. The role contributes to setting strategy, ensuring alignment with national strategies, developing legal frameworks and financial arrangements, and supporting the implementation of services commissioned at local, regional and national levels.
Responsibilities
* Provide leadership and innovation to support the regional commissioning strategy and input to national strategies.
* Produce and implement service‑specific commissioning plans across short, medium and long‑term, aligning with regional, national and broader community safety priorities.
* Manage service needs for commissioning plans and ensure services meet the diverse needs of People on Probation, are financially robust, offer value‑for‑money, incorporate innovative approaches and reflect best practice.
* Assist with the devolved commissioning budget and resource management for commissioning projects.
* Lead and manage teams to deliver agreed commissioning strategy, priorities and objectives, including recruitment, induction and training of staff.
* Support PDU Heads and other operational leads to deliver commissioning, national framework and partnership responsibilities across the full range of services, including consultancy, training plans and briefings.
* Collaborate with Performance and Quality leads and specialist research teams to develop evidence‑based reviews, recommendations, planning and delivery of new services.
* Understand current Probation Service delivery and identify best practice for commissioning future services.
* Develop and implement evidence‑based service specifications, engaging People on Probation, operational leads and stakeholders.
* Lead commissioning strategy work with MoJ Commercial, Sourcing and Procurement, including research, market engagement, payment mechanisms, specifications and technical questions for competitions.
* Lead bid evaluation and moderation in collaboration with MOJ Commercial.
* Mobilise regional and national commissioned and co‑commissioned non‑CRS contracts where required.
* Support contract management teams with mobilisation of CRS contracts as required by the HoCI.
* Establish and lead cross‑regional and multi‑agency project groups for national service development.
* Identify and negotiate opportunities for joint‑working or co‑commissioning services with external stakeholders (PCCs, police, local authorities, DWP, NHS, voluntary sector).
* Ensure all commissioning and partnership activity complies with equalities regulations, policies and processes, including equality analysis in the Regional Commissioning Plan.
* Evaluate bids for services commissioned by other regional bodies and support alignment of commissioned services on a pan‑regional basis.
* Support the dynamic framework onboarding of partner organisations.
* Engage People on Probation in the development of services to align with the EPOP agenda.
* Participate in inspections, work with OSAG and HMIP inspectors and implement action plans.
Qualifications – Required
* Experience of commissioning and/or recommissioning services, including assessing need, reviewing services and developing service specifications.
* Significant experience of undertaking research, formulating options and problem‑solving.
* Experience of procurement and grants within the public sector context.
* Significant experience of developing successful partnerships and integrated working arrangements.
* Experience of influencing and negotiating at a senior level.
* Experience of working in a community safety, criminal justice, social care, housing or health care setting.
* Experience of managing resources to a budget.
* Experience of project management.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Qualifications – Desirable
* Experience working within probation and offender services.
* Experience of managing staff.
* Experience of using a Dynamic Purchasing System.
* Experience leading and participating in collaborative commissioning processes.
* Qualification in procurement and supply (e.g. via CIPS).
Benefits
* Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years, plus public holidays.
* Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
* Extensive training and development opportunities.
* Employee‑run networks supporting minority ethnic origin, disability, caring responsibilities, women and LGBTQIA+ groups.
* Family‑friendly policies: reduced hours, job share options.
* Flexible benefits: voluntary benefits, retail vouchers, discounts on goods and services.
* Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
* Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
Working Conditions and Employment
The MoJ offers hybrid working arrangements where business need allows, blending work from the base location, MoJ sites and/or from home. Standard full‑time hours are 37 hours per week, excluding unpaid breaks. The role is based in the UK and is open to candidates who meet the required security and identity checks.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. All candidates are considered on merit without regard to age, disability, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.
Application Process
Applications will be assessed through a CV/Work History, experience questions, a statement of suitability and interview stage assessments. Interviews will be conducted by the Hiring Manager and relevant stakeholders.
Recruitment Sift/Interview Dates
Expected week commencing 13th April 2026.
Recruitment Contact
For enquiries, contact the MoJ Resourcing Team or the Civil Service Commission if you believe the recruitment process has breached principles.
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