Contracts Officer

Sherwood Energy Village, New Ollerton, NG22 9FF

The Children and Families Department takes a strengths-based approach to working with each other, children, young people and families, and our partner agencies. We call this 'Our Nottinghamshire Approach'. Watch the two minute animation to learn more.

Nottinghamshire County Council 2.07K subscribers

Nottinghamshire County Council is dedicated to serving our community with compassion and commitment. We strive to create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and families across Nottinghamshire.

As a Contracts Officer within Children's Services
, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that high-quality services are delivered to children and young people. Your expertise will guide commissioning, contract management, and provider performance, ensuring that all contractual arrangements are compliant and financially sound. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the Experts at Hand contract, a vital part of the national Special Educational Needs and Disability reform programme.

Experts at Hand brings specialist education and health expertise into mainstream, early years settings, schools, and post-16 provision, helping to identify needs earlier and provide timely support for children presenting with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

In this role, you will:

• Advise and Assist
  :
  Provide expert guidance on commissioning and contract management.
• Monitor and Manage
  :
  Oversee the performance of service providers, ensuring they meet contractual obligations.
• Collaborate and Communicate
  :
  Work closely with commissioners, education teams, providers, and partner agencies to enhance service delivery.
• Evaluate and Improve
  :
  Identify risks and address underperformance to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
• Report and Recommend
  :
  Prepare reports and provide recommendations to improve service quality and value for money.

To succeed as a Contracts Officer, you should have:

• A good understanding of legislation related to SEND and/or specialist education.
• Strong literacy and numeracy skills.
• Experience in contract management or a related field.
• A commitment to continuous professional development.

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• Customer Care Commitment
  : A dedication to providing excellent service to children and families.
• Collaborative Spirit
  :
  Ability to work effectively with colleagues and external partners.
• Analytical Acumen
  :
  Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to interpret complex information.
• Creative Thinking
  :
  Innovative approaches to service improvement and risk management.

At Nottinghamshire County Council, we offer:

• A Place to Belong
  : A friendly, inclusive workplace where everyone is valued.
• Work-Life Balance
  :
  Flexible working arrangements to support your personal life.
• Professional Growth
  :
  Opportunities for continuous professional development and career advancement.
• Community Connection
  :
  Be part of a team that makes a real difference in the lives of children and families.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity please contact Claire Good on or by email

This post is also available as a secondment opportunity to existing Nottinghamshire County Council employees. You must seek approval from your line manager before applying.

Appointment to this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Nottinghamshire County Council strives to ensure that it goes beyond the requirements of the Equalities Act and prides itself on being accredited as a Disability Confident Leader Organisation.

Under the Disability Confident scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme) we would like to ensure applicants with disabilities are offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for a job.

Please let us know if this is something you would like to be considered for.

A job share scheme is available for all full-time posts: both permanent and temporary, unless otherwise stated.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks.

Nottinghamshire County Council strongly encourages applications from all candidates from different walks of life, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity status, age or sexual orientation.