Children's Commissioning and Contracts Manager

Job Introduction

The pay range for this role will be £52,413 - £60,357 (pro rata for part time colleagues) 

We’re looking forward to welcoming new colleagues under this refreshed framework of pay, terms, and conditions. To promote fairness and consistency, all new starters will begin at the bottom of the pay band. This reflects our commitment to equity across the organisation and aligns with the approach taken with existing staff during the transition. While the starting salary is fixed, the role offers excellent scope for growth, meaningful contribution, and being part of a forward-thinking team.

You can also find out more about the new terms and conditions that we are introducing on our careers site on, 'More than just a job' brochure 

This is a unique and rare opportunity to join the Children’s Commissioning Team as the Commissioning and Contracts Manager.  The post holder will have experience of the commissioning cycle principles and Local Authority procurement legalisation. 

The post holder will  direct  the commissioning of all services for Children's Services, ensuring services are safe, high quality, cost effective, and meet the needs of children and families.  Key responsibilities shall include:   

• Provide effective oversight and co-ordination to drive service improvement and ensure the commissioning programme delivers on time and within budget.
• Contribute to the development, implementation and monitoring of service commissioning plans to enable a considered and co-ordinated approach to delivering the Council’s strategic objectives in social care, which are effective and customer focused. 
• Recruit, motivate and manage staff to deliver a high quality, flexible and responsive service to internal and external customers, reviewing performance and coaching their development, so that the team is able to support the Council's commissioning plans and priorities. 
• Represent the service unit and the Council in multi-agency forums, working parties, local and regional bodies to contribute to the exchange of information and the promotion of best practice/’practice excellence’ developments. 
• Work closely with partners including the NHS Dorset, Ofsted and external Providers and to contribute to the planning and delivery of the contracts and brokerage service improvement function alongside the business planning process for the service unit and Children's Services directorate.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and the Council’s systems including finance, procurement and legal governance, risk management, performance monitoring, information governance and staff performance management.  
• Ensure effective budget monitoring arrangements are in place within the team and that timely corrective action is taken to deal with any variances and eventualities that arise.  
• Develop, implement, and monitor processes and procedures for commissioning and project activity in the team, to enable the management of risk, commissioning and projects in accordance with departmental policy, legislation and good practice.  

There will be a supportive management and learning environment where there will be opportunities to further develop your knowledge and skills in the contracting, procurement and Children's Services sector.

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK. 

At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work. 
 

We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive.

From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need.

It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help.  For further information on the accessibility support we can offer please see here:  Preparing for your interview | Working for BCP 

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

Our Benefits 

A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council 

At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people. 
  

Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at (Employee benefits | Working for BCP link to careers page) 

 Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you 

 More About us | Working for BCP 

DBS

BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check. Please refer to the Role Profile for more details.