Commissioning Officer

Job title

Commissioning Officer – Value for Money (PO2)

Kernel House, Leeds – 12‑month temporary contract (37 hours per week)

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…