Lead Commissioner, Children’s Commissioning

About this job

Are you passionate about shaping services that improve the lives of children, young people, adults and families? Do you have the skills and drive to lead complex commissioning programmes that deliver meaningful outcomes and value for money? If so, we would love to hear from you.

As a Commissioning Manager, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing and commissioning high quality care and support services that meet the needs of our residents. Working across a diverse portfolio of services, you will help ensure that our commissioning activity delivers innovative, evidence-based and outcome-focused solutions that promote prevention, independence, resilience and long-term wellbeing. This is a strategic and influential role where you will work collaboratively with operational colleagues, health partners, provider organisations, voluntary and community sector organisations, and service users to shape services that respond to changing needs and priorities.

You will be responsible for leading all aspects of the commissioning cycle, from needs analysis and service design through to procurement, contract implementation, performance monitoring and service review.

You will lead commissioning projects and strategic reviews, using data, intelligence and stakeholder engagement to identify opportunities for improvement and transformation. You will develop service specifications, support procurement exercises, negotiate with providers and ensure commissioned services achieve measurable outcomes for residents.

A key part of the role will involve developing strong relationships across the market, stimulating innovation and supporting providers to deliver high quality services that meet local needs. Working within a matrix management structure, you will manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, ensuring that programmes are delivered on time, within budget and in line with governance, procurement and legal requirements. You will help drive a whole-system approach to commissioning, working closely with colleagues across local government, health and partner agencies to maximise resources and improve outcomes.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to influence service delivery at a strategic level and contribute to the development of sustainable, person-centred services. You will be encouraged to bring forward new ideas, challenge traditional approaches and develop innovative commissioning models that deliver social value and best value for the community.

We are committed to creating services that are personalised, inclusive and responsive. As a Commissioning Manager, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference by ensuring that the voices of residents, carers and communities are embedded in service design and delivery. Your work will directly contribute to improving outcomes and supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our borough. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you can influence policy, shape services, build partnerships and deliver lasting impact, this is an excellent opportunity to take the next step in your commissioning career.

About you

We are seeking an experienced and motivated commissioning professional who combines strategic thinking with a practical approach to delivery. You will have a proven track record of commissioning services, leading complex projects and working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders to improve outcomes for residents.

You will bring experience of strategic commissioning within health, social care, children's services, adult services or a related field, with a strong understanding of the full commissioning cycle, from needs assessment and service design through to procurement, implementation, contract management, monitoring and evaluation.

You will be confident analysing data, identifying priorities and translating evidence into effective commissioning solutions. You will have knowledge of procurement, contract management, performance monitoring and the legislative and policy frameworks that underpin care and support services. You will be able to navigate complex environments, ensuring commissioning activity is compliant, evidence based and delivers value for money.

Partnership working is central to this role. You will be skilled at building trusted relationships with operational teams, providers, health partners, community organisations and senior leaders. You will be confident leading discussions, facilitating workshops, negotiating contracts and presenting complex information clearly.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, including the ability to produce reports, service specifications and business cases. You will be highly organised, able to manage competing priorities across multiple workstreams and deliver projects within agreed timescales and budgets.

A commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and achieving measurable outcomes is essential. We are looking for someone who is passionate about improving outcomes for people and communities through person-centred, strengths-based approaches.

You will understand the importance of co-production, equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring services are accessible, responsive and reflective of the needs of local residents.

Most importantly, you will demonstrate our DRIVE values in everything you do:

Dream Big – Think strategically, innovate confidently and develop sustainable solutions that improve lives.

Respect – Build strong relationships, listen to different perspectives and ensure residents, carers and partners are valued and heard.

Integrity – Act with openness, professionalism and accountability, making evidence-based decisions that deliver the best outcomes.

Value Diversity – Champion equality, inclusion and fairness, recognising that diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making and service delivery.

Explore Possibilities – Be curious, collaborative and solution-focused, continuously seeking opportunities to improve services and deliver better results.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious commissioning professional to influence strategic priorities, drive service transformation and make a lasting difference for residents across Barking and Dagenham.

About us

Barking & Dagenham is changing. It Starts Here.

Think you know Barking and Dagenham? Think again. While this small corner of east London might have a reputation for needing development, scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find active communities and a place that consistently punches above its weight. The borough is changing – and changing for the better. And It Starts Here.

Yes, the borough has its challenges. But it’s on the cusp of something exciting. With one of the youngest populations in the country, ambitions are high and rightly so. 98% of our schools are rated Good or Outstanding and every year more of our talented teenagers get into Russell Group Universities and hotly sought after apprenticeship schemes.

We have award winning parks, centuries old manor houses full of relics and artifacts you can go and see, and the ruins of one of Anglo-Saxon England's most powerful and wealthiest religious sites. We’re even bringing beavers and white storks to the borough to help rewild the local landscape and boost biodiversity.

Over the past few years, we’ve been working hard to improve how we deliver services and support our community. From tackling inequality to making sure our services are the best they can be, we’re focused on what matters most to local people.

We’re creating the conditions for people to thrive - so everyone can enjoy a good quality of life, feel proud to call this place home, and be part of something bigger.

#ItStartsHere - with our streets, our schools, our neighbourhoods. And with your application to join our determined team who are passionate about doing what’s best for the future of Barking and Dagenham.

As an Investors in People Gold Award employer, we’re serious about supporting our staff. From flexible working, professional training and career development to wellbeing initiatives, we want our people to feel valued and supported in everything they do.

Additional Information

We’re committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or support at any stage, please contact the Hiring Manager to discuss your needs.