Senior Commissioning and Contracts Officer

Job Description

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX
  - Hybrid
• Salary: £40,777 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37, flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

At Suffolk County Council, we’re reimagining what local government can achieve. As a Senior Commissioning and Contracts Officer in the Early Interventions and Prevention Strategic Commissioning and Contract Management team, you will help shape Suffolk's future through innovation, collaboration, and community impact. If you are ready to make a real difference, we are ready to support your journey.

Reimagine the possibilities.

In this role, you will provide senior support to all elements of the commissioning cycle from planning, service redesign, market development, procurement and contract management activity.

It will focus on the development of the accommodation‑based support offers alongside ways of working and wider partnership working that enables the 'right care, at the right time, in the right place'. This post requires strong partnership working across social care, housing, other public sector areas, the Care Market and people with lived experience.

Specifically, you will:

• Collaborate across health, social care, and housing to manage requirements and opportunities to support individuals to live independently where they have support needs.
• Support decision making in relation to new housing‑with‑care developments and provide social care oversight into ongoing developments
• Engage and support providers through SCC processes around new accommodation‑based care proposals, co‑ordinating with strategic partners
• Work alongside colleagues to provide project management, co‑ordination and oversight of internal SCC led accommodation‑based developments
• Support intelligence‑led commissioning through data collection and sector insights to inform demand and models for commissioned social care services
• Communicate and represent the Council's interests in relation to housing and planning through attendance at various groups
• Research and review best practice standards in relation to housing with care and consider applicability in a Suffolk context
• Co‑ordinate meetings, groups and forums to support decision making around accommodation‑based proposals and facilitate partnership opportunities
• Facilitate Engagement Events with Co‑production partners including the Care Market, people with lived experience, Health, Housing and CYP
• Lead on Contract Management and Quality Assurance activities to ensure that commissioned services are delivered to specification and within cost

You will be part of a team that values curiosity, collaboration, and compassion. Every day brings the chance to make a meaningful impact.

• Lived experience or professional exposure to care and housing services
• Experience working with external partners to achieve shared outcomes
• Strong organisational and communication skills - written and verbal
• An understanding of data insights and intelligence to inform decision making
• A curious mindset and a passion for making a difference
• Willingness to learn and grow in commissioning and contract management

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

Our Early Interventions and Prevention Strategic Commissioning and Contract Management team is dedicated to delivering the best support offer for adults with disabilities. We're proud of our collaborative spirit and commitment to continuous improvement. You'll be supported by a large peer network, user‑friendly tools, and regular engagement with managers and leaders. You will be expected to come into the office at least two days a week and we embrace hybrid working.

We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome…