Job title: Commissioning Manager

Salary: PO4 £44,711 - £47,754

Hours: 37

Contract: Permanent

Location: Merrion House: Hybrid working available

INTERNAL ONLY VACANCY. This post is open to existing Leeds City Council employees only. Applications will not be considered from external candidates.

As a Commissioning Manager you’ll thrive on working with others to commission high quality services that address health and social inequalities and deliver the best outcomes for people.

This is an opportunity to be part of our creative and supportive service that is involved in high profile areas of commissioning and contract management, that ensures the voice of service users and carers are heard and embedded throughout our work.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As a Commissioning Manager, you will bring to the role:

• Ability to work as part of a team that commissions innovative and person-centred care and support services.
• Ability to undertake contract management with external providers.
• Ability to develop productive working relationships which create respect, trust and confidence.
• Ability to manage complex programmes and projects and lead project teams.
• Ability to improve service quality and support a culture that drives up standards and performance. 

About the role

As our next Commissioning Manager, you should be able to demonstrate visible and effective leadership, be a strong communicator and be committed to working in a collaborative and flexible way with a wide range of organisations and people. You will be responsible for the management of a diverse portfolio of work which contributes to the delivery of one or more of the following:

• Commissioning activity that contributes to the Directorate’s and Council’s priorities. Commissioning takes many forms and includes negotiating individual care packages, large scale procurements and working with others to improve quality and the service offer.
• Service user voice and influence is integral to our commissioning role, in which the Commissioning Manager will have a key role in embedding co-production across our workstreams.
• Service reviews, development and innovation that drives forward positive outcomes.
• Development of strategy and policy relating to services for key client groups.
• Programme and contract management to maximise outcomes and to ensure value for money and quality.

Commissioning Managers work flexibly across a range of Adult Commissioning workstreams, working closely alongside social work colleagues to ensure that services are commissioned in line with value for money principles, whilst meeting obligations within the Care Act, promoting independence and supporting positive outcomes. This role will be based within the Older Peoples Commissioning Team, with the opportunity to work across a range of high profile and influential contracts and workstreams. For example, the team currently covers (and works closely alongside) a range of areas including extra care housing, Neighbourhood Networks services, transforming homecare, unpaid carers, advocacy and third sector. This post will have a key role in ensuring that the voice of service users is at the heart of all that we do, with a focus on engagement and co-production.

This exciting and diverse role would enable a range of personal development opportunities, working in partnership with a range of internal and external colleagues, providers and service users, to maximise outcomes and work towards our Best City Ambition.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements

• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role, please email Rosie Armitage: rosemary.armitage@leeds.gov.uk.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is recognised in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2024. We are also an Age-friendly Employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, candidates must consider their own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the 'standard' salary rate of at least £38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. For more information visit Skilled Worker visa on the government website. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job purpose 

To assist the Commissioning Programme Leaders / Heads of Commissioning by undertaking aspects of cross-directorate commissioning and contract management at Principal Officer level. 

To be responsible for the management of a portfolio of work which contributes to the delivery of one or more of the following:

• Service review, development and innovation
• Commissioning activity that contributes to the Directorate’s and Council’s priorities. Commissioning takes many forms and includes negotiating individual care packages, large scale reviews and procurements and working with others to improve the service offer.
• Development of strategy and policy relating to services for key client groups.
• Programme and contract management to maximise outcomes and to ensure value for money and quality.

You will lead the evaluation and performance management of contracts with commissioned services and play a key role in developing and maintaining productive relationships with service providers to achieve high quality services and value for money. Through your detailed knowledge and skills relevant to commissioning and contract management, you will demonstrate the leadership and qualities commensurate to the level of Principal Officer.

You will provide leadership within the commissioning function to ensure the proper financial management and performance assurance of such contracts.  You will lead on the development of innovative ways of achieving value for money on an on-going basis.  You will provide line management to Senior Commissioning Officer level roles, undertake staff appraisals and support the personal development of team members as required.

Responsibilities 

• To play a lead role in the strategic review of services, commissioning of new services, re-commission / decommission existing services and to lead and facilitate joint working within the Directorate, across the Council and with external partners as appropriate.

• To take an active role in reviewing and planning work programmes and support other staff to engage and participate in planning and review activity.

• To undertake project and programme leadership of key areas of work, including working with Council colleagues and external partners to achieve desired outcomes to agreed (and often tight) deadlines.

• To manage and contribute to the delivery of collaborative partnerships and working relationships with providers, internal and external partners, elected members and key stakeholders in the city.

• To represent the team and coordinate the team’s work with the corporate procurement team on all issues related to corporate procurement procedures, working with partners and providers to deliver effective procurement outcomes.

• To contribute to the development of key policy and strategy relating to the commissioning of services.  

• To oversee and contribute to the preparation and presentation of complex information in a variety of formats to a range of audiences at different levels, including preparing reports to support effective decision-making at a strategic and political level within the Council.

• To support the monitoring of the performance of contracts, service level agreements and grants relating to Adults and Health activity, ensuring that appropriate arrangements are in place for the effective financial and performance assurance of such contracts.

• To lead regular monitoring and contract management meetings associated with the portfolio of contracts and ensure that service delivery is achieving expected targets and outcomes remains compliant with the terms of the contracts.

• To work on behalf the team or represent the Programme Leader, on specified functional areas or work streams for the Directorate.

• To support PO6 Commissioning Programme Leaders in providing guidance and support to senior officers, elected members and staff across the Council in relation to one or more specialist areas, including deputising for the responsible PO6 officer at meetings and events, where required.

• To maintain a detailed understanding of the Council, Directorate and Partnership plans and priorities, including the implications for service areas.

• To undertake effective evaluation of projects and contracts, including data collection; collation and scrutiny of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and performance management information; benchmarking; report writing, and the implementation of practical outcomes and lessons learned.

• To lead and carry out effective consultation and engagement with service users and other stakeholders ensuring that the outcomes are used to influence commissioning, service design and delivery.

• To take responsibility for contract and programme management of a portfolio of services, ensuring effective relationship management with partners, value for money and achievement of quality standards and efficiency savings targets.

• To maximise resources for the City including supporting partnership and service area bids for resources and by working in conjunction with the relevant Finance Officers to monitor expenditure and ensure financial targets are met.

• To monitor and manage budget expenditure in relation to a portfolio of services.

• To participate in the allocation and management of contract and small grant funding in line with the Council’s values, ambitions and goals.

• To ensure compliance with any Governance requirements relating to the work of the service, including those relating to commissioning, procurement and financial management.

• To take a line management role of staff, including managing performance and attendance and assessing and meeting development needs through appraisals. 

• To undertake supervision meetings, and to demonstrate strong and effective management in line with the Council’s values and standards.

• To support the identification of training needs within the team and to lead and participate in the development of activities necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills within the team.

• To ensure due regard is taken of equality and diversity when designing, delivering or reviewing policies, strategies, services and human resources and ensure that any mitigating actions are delivered.

• To carry out any other duties commensurate with the grade and required for the role.

The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

• Ability to undertake contract management activities with external suppliers.
• Ability to develop productive working relationships which create respect, trust and confidence.
• Ability to provide visible and effective leadership which empowers, enables and develops staff to achieve results.
• Ability to manage and monitor performance effectively.
• Ability to manage finances and work within a budget.
• Ability to engage effectively with a wide and diverse range of stakeholders including external partners and service users.
• Ability to develop and manage strategic partnerships involving various stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.
• Ability to work flexibly across a range of simultaneous initiatives and as part of a larger team.
• Ability to analyse and interrogate a range of varied and complex data using a variety of methods, including relevant IT software, to inform future delivery and planning.
• Ability to manage complex programmes and projects and lead project teams.
• Ability to lead, coach and motivate individuals and teams.
• Ability to improve service quality and support a culture that drives up standards and performance.
• Ability to present information and reports on complex issues to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to think creatively and to solve problems in a constructive way.
• Ability to work to strict deadlines with conflicting priorities and to manage personal work and time effectively.
• Ability to interpret local / national strategy and apply it to work in Leeds.
• Ability to access and interpret local/national strategy and communicate this quickly and effectively to all interested parties.
• Detailed knowledge of appraisal and evaluation techniques. Advanced knowledge of programme and/or contract management principles and processes required to ensure outcomes are maximised and value for money achieved.
• Understanding of commissioning principles and practice
• A knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of relevant key agencies and stakeholders in the city.
• A knowledge of key strategic plans including the Health and Well Being Plan and Inclusive Growth Strategy.
• A detailed knowledge of financial, human and resource management.
• A knowledge of Governance requirements and the Council’s policies and procedures that would relate to key decision making.
• Experience of commissioning, this could be individual care packages or larger scale procurements, managing a care or support service or contract management of services.
• Experience of working at a senior level to manage varied communications with for example Council colleagues, Elected Members, external providers, delivery partners or other key stakeholders.
• Experience of working at a senior level with a range of internal and external partners to lead and deliver projects and programmes.
• Experience of working in a political environment and on politically sensitive issues.
• Experience of managing and controlling budgets and achieving budgetary targets.
• Experience of working at a senior level to manage the performance of contracts with external suppliers. 

Essential Behavioural and other Characteristics 

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters. 

Desirable requirements It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post.  Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates. 

• A knowledge of the Council’s decision making processes.
• A knowledge of the Council’s Values and Leadership and Management standards.
• Experience of supervising, leading, coaching and motivating individuals.
• Experience of providing leadership in a team setting.
• Experience of conducting Equality Impact Assessments and ensuring that inclusion and equality objectives are met.
• Experience of working in a regulatory environment and working with or in provider services.

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