Commissioning Manager

Job description

Job responsibilities

As a Commissioning Manager, youll lead on a key area of work within the People Commissioning service (Together for Families), driving innovation and collaboration across systems. Youll develop and deliver commissioning strategies that improve outcomes, promote social value, and ensure high-quality, cost-effective services.

This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives on shaping services through evidence, engagement, and delivery. Youll work closely with stakeholders and providers, co-designing solutions that respond to need and build capacity in our communities.

Multiple Roles Available

We are recruiting Commissioning Managers across several key areas:

• Early Years and Prevention
• Looked After Children and Care Leavers
• Children with Disabilities
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Please indicate your area(s) of interest in your application.

Your Impact

Youll be responsible for leading commissioning activity across a defined service area, contributing to the wider strategic direction of the Together for Families Directorate. Youll manage contracts, shape service specifications, and ensure services deliver against outcomes and value for money.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the development and implementation of commissioning strategies for your service area.
• Work in partnership across health, education, and social care to design integrated pathways and services.
• Manage a portfolio of contracts, ensuring quality, performance, and compliance.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, value for money, social value, and community asset development.
• Represent Cornwall Council at strategic forums and partnership boards.
• Support market development and provider engagement to ensure sufficiency and sustainability.

This position will be subject to an enhanced criminal record disclosure check.

Working Pattern:

There are 6 FTE roles, with the opportunity to work full or part time. Working patterns are flexible in this role, such as hybrid work arrangements (including time in the office), compressed hours, term-time only and other alternatives.

Please indicate your requested working pattern in your application.

About You

Were looking for someone who combines commissioning expertise with creativity and collaboration. Youll bring:

• Experience in commissioning and contract management across childrens services or related sectors.
• Strong partnership working skills, with the ability to influence and co-design across systems.
• A track record of delivering service improvements and managing complex projects.
• The ability to interpret data, develop strategies, and lead implementation with confidence.

Why Join Us

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead commissioning work that directly improves the lives of children and families in Cornwall. Youll join a supportive and ambitious team, with the freedom to innovate and the backing to deliver.

Cornwall Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship or transfer existing sponsorship for this role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Please refer to the attached role profile

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Cornwall Council

Address

New County Hall

Treyew Road

Truro

Cornwall

TR1 3AY

Employer's website

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)