Lead Commissioner – Strategic Commissioning (Temporary)

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Lead Commissioner to join our team for a fixed‑term assignment of up to 12 months. Reporting to the Strategic Commissioning Manager for Children and Young People, you will help deliver key strategic priorities across children’s social care, education/SEND and adult social care.

Key responsibilities

• Support the delivery of the Local Authority’s long‑term finance plan and sufficiency strategy.
• Lead market engagement and commissioning intentions for independent school contracts and special education provision.
• Drive joint commissioning arrangements for SEND services such as speech and language therapy and occupational therapy.
• Review and improve alternative education provision, including contracts and due‑diligence checks.
• Collaborate on volunteering commissioning for working‑age adults and review adult social care models.
• Assist with fee‑setting processes for older adult care and support the transition from Time & Task to outcomes‑based home care contracts.

Required profile

• Strong experience commissioning in complex public‑sector systems.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Background in children’s social care, education/SEND, or adult social care is essential.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive hourly rate of £31.81.
• Hybrid working – remote flexibility with two days per week onsite at the Civic Centre after 1 September 2026.
• Opportunity to make an immediate impact on strategic priorities within a supportive team.