Service Manager – Children’s Commissioning

Service Manager – Children’s Services Commissioning
3-month contract – Immediate start
Up to £500 per day
Inside IR35 (via umbrella)
Hybrid working – Midlands

CVs are being reviewed immediately with interviews taking place as suitable candidates are identified.

Are you ready to take the lead in shaping the future of Children’s Services Commissioning?

As Service Manager – Children’s Services Commissioning, you will report to the Head of Commissioning & Support and play a pivotal role in leading strategic commissioning, procurement and contract management across Children’s Services. This is an exciting opportunity to drive innovation, strengthen provider markets and deliver high-quality services that improve outcomes for children, young people and families.

As Service Manager – Children’s Services Commissioning, you will oversee the Children’s Social Care Commissioning Team, SEND Commissioning Team and Placements Team, leading the development of sufficiency strategies, commissioning plans and market management initiatives. Working closely with internal colleagues, providers, health partners and external stakeholders, you will ensure services are effective, compliant and deliver value for money while meeting statutory responsibilities.

Your role as Service Manager – Children’s Services Commissioning:

• Lead strategic commissioning, procurement and contract management across Children’s Social Care, SEND and Placements.
• Develop and deliver SEND and Social Care Sufficiency Strategies to ensure high-quality provision meets local demand.
• Drive commissioning innovation, market development and service transformation to improve outcomes and deliver efficiencies.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with providers, NHS organisations and key stakeholders to support integrated commissioning.
• Ensure commissioned services comply with procurement legislation, governance arrangements and statutory responsibilities.
• Lead multidisciplinary commissioning teams, promoting a culture of high performance, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Manage commissioning budgets and contribute to the Directorate’s Medium Term Financial Strategy through effective financial planning and value for money.
• Respond proactively to legislative, regulatory and policy changes, ensuring services remain effective and sustainable.

Your experience as a Service Manager – Children’s Services Commissioning:

• Significant experience leading commissioning, procurement or contract management within Children’s Services or the wider public sector.
• Strong knowledge of Children’s Social Care, SEND, sufficiency planning and provider market development.
• Demonstrable experience delivering commissioning strategies, service transformation and financial efficiencies.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and build strong strategic partnerships across organisations.
• Excellent understanding of safeguarding responsibilities, procurement regulations and statutory children’s services frameworks.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior level.

As Service Manager – Children’s Services Commissioning, you will play a key role in shaping the future of Children’s Services, driving innovation and delivering high-quality commissioned services that make a lasting difference to children, young people and families. This is an excellent opportunity to lead meaningful change within a high-profile commissioning leadership role.

If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail, or know someone who may be suitable, please get in touch today or apply now.

(We offer a referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.)

Our client is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All applications are assessed based on experience, skills and potential, and reasonable adjustments will be supported throughout the recruitment process.

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