Commissioning Lead

northampton, midlands, United Kingdom Company: JR UK Client /

Employer:

Northamptonshire Children’s Trust

Posted: 30.05.2026

Job reference: 712743825923112960037340

Lead innovation, shape services and make a lasting difference. This is a pivotal leadership role where you shape how support is commissioned for children, young people and families.

We are looking for 2 exceptional Commissioning Leads to help drive the next phase of our journey. As a Commissioning Lead, you’ll lead strategic planning and commissioning across a range of services, care and support, taking a lead in our long‑term strategic commissioning plans that enable us to improve outcomes for children, young people and families in Northamptonshire.

Responsible for services, care, support, and strategies related to Family Help and Disability. Leads commissioning of services such as multi‑systemic therapies, wraparound support, homecare, community support, and short breaks. Also leads the commissioning strategy for short breaks, ensuring disabled children and families have access to high‑quality short breaks across the continuum of care and support.

Responsible for services, care, support and strategies related to children in care and young people leaving care. Leads joint commissioning of care and support that enables children and young people to live in a home that best meets their needs, such as foster care, children’s homes, supported accommodation, step‑down support, and support to return home. Leads the children’s social care sufficiency strategy, ensuring high quality homes and support locally for children and young people where they feel they belong, receive the right care at the right time and are well supported to prepare for adult life.

• You’ll design and deliver strategic commissioning plans aligned to local priorities, legislation and partnership goals, ensuring co‑production with children, young people and families.
• You’ll lead major commissioning programmes—from needs analysis and market engagement through to procurement, contract award and performance management.
• You’ll work collaboratively with practitioners, clinicians, procurement and legal teams to deliver high‑quality, outcome‑focused services.
• You’ll build strong partnerships across health, education, voluntary and independent sectors, influencing stakeholders and driving integrated service delivery.
• You’ll shape the provider market, identifying gaps and creating innovative solutions that respond to emerging needs.
• You’ll manage large‑scale procurement activity, including writing specifications, leading tenders and negotiating contracts to achieve best value.
• You’ll oversee contract performance, intervening where required and driving continuous improvement across services.
• You’ll lead, motivate and develop your team, setting clear direction and ensuring delivery against ambitious objectives.

• Strong experience in commissioning, procurement and service development within a public sector or integrated care environment.
• In‑depth knowledge of children’s services, SEND, health systems and relevant legislation.
• Confidence leading complex programmes, managing significant budgets and delivering value‑for‑money outcomes.
• Influential leader who can build trusted relationships, negotiate effectively and bring stakeholders together around a shared vision.
• Highly analytical, able to interpret data, develop business cases and present clear, compelling reports to senior leaders and decision‑makers.
• Resilient and adaptable, able to navigate complexity, manage risk and deliver results in a fast‑paced environment.
• Passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable children, young people and families, with strong commitment to safeguarding and inclusion.

• 28 days annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro‑rated for part‑time) and an additional 5 days after 5 years.
• Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill‑health pension protection.
• Opportunity to purchase up to 25 days annual leave.
• Emplo…