Senior Children's Commissioning Officer

Overview

You will play a vital role in shaping services that improve life chances for children and young people across Somerset. The role will lead commissioning activity for Early Help, ensuring services are effective, efficient and aligned with the Children and Young People’s Plan. You will work strategically across Somerset’s Integrated Care System, championing a joined‑up approach to health and care within the community.

• Contract:
  
  Fixed Term until 30/06/2027 (secondment opportunity with potential extension).
• Grade 9: £41,771 to £46,142 per annum.
• Hybrid working available; based in Taunton with county-wide travel.
• Annual leave: 30 days plus bank holidays, with option to purchase additional leave.

• Lead commissioning activity for Early Help, ensuring services are effective, efficient and aligned with the Children and Young People’s Plan.
• Work strategically across Somerset’s Integrated Care System, championing a joined‑up approach to health and care within the community.
• Collab​orate with partners across health, education, and the voluntary sector; embed the voice of children and families in service design.
• Manage budgets, negotiate with providers, and drive innovation to deliver high‑quality outcomes.
• Influence at a strategic level to ensure public funds deliver real impact and support a resilient early help offer.
• Foster a culture of positive partnership working across a complex system.

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Experience in commissioning and programme delivery.
• Strong knowledge of statutory frameworks and policy development.
• Skilled in partnership working and influencing at senior levels.
• Excellent financial and people management skills.
• Willingness to champion new approaches and share best practice.

• Healthy work‑life balance with flexible working arrangements, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Staff discounts in gyms, shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits, etc.
• Employee Assistance Program and a variety of wellbeing services.
• Auto‑enrolment onto a generous Pension Scheme and optional additional voluntary contributions.
• Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice (e.g., cycle for work, health screenings).
• Supportive training, development opportunities and an enthusiastic team.

When completing your application/CV, provide your full employment history and explain any gaps. For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Laura Annandale on  or via email at lau If you are seeking to secure the secondment, it is strongly encouraged that you seek support before applying.

DBS clearance via the Online Disclosure Procedure is required.