Senior Commissioning Officer

Job Title: Senior Commissioning Officer (Children's Services and Education)

Location: Cambridgeshire, UK
Contract: 3 Months
Salary: £400/day
Type: Hybrid

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Commissioning Officer to join a local authority in Cambridgeshire. This role will play a pivotal part in the development and implementation of commissioning plans and strategies for Children's Services and Education. The successful candidate will work closely with Commissioning Managers to ensure effective delivery and integration of commissioning activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and independently manage elements of commissioning activity and/or smaller projects within the portfolio as delegated by Commissioning Manager.
• Conduct research and analysis to identify areas for innovation, improvement, or collaboration within the portfolio area and provide recommendations to the Commissioning Manager.
• Plan and execute engagement with providers, service users, and other stakeholders to gather market intelligence and inform commissioning strategies. Take a lead role in coordinating this approach.
• Contribute to the preparation and execution of complex procurement activities, including drafting tender documentation, developing evaluation methodologies, and participating in tenders.
• Independently manage lower value, straightforward procurement activities under the direction of the Commissioning Manager.
• Prepare and present various reports, strategies, and influencing documents for internal and external audiences, including Joint Commissioning Board and Committees.
• Plan and lead task and finish groups of internal and external stakeholders to deliver required outcomes, with support from the Commissioning Manager.
• Ensure the strategic approach to commissioning delivers improvements in performance and measurable outcomes, such as reduced dependency and increased choice and control for service users.

Requirements:

• Relevant professional qualification or education equivalent to NVQ level 4, HNC, HND, or bachelor's degree.
• Good knowledge and understanding of the public sector commissioning cycle and its application.
• Knowledge of key policy, legislation, and guidance relating to Children's commissioning (desirable).
• Awareness of local care and/or preventative provision and the impact of market dynamics on the council.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity to make a difference in Children's Services and Education in Cambridgeshire, please apply now!