Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC622039
Salary Range: £40,643 - £45,077 per annum
Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 7 September 2025
Interview Date: 17 September 2025
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Commissioning Officer to join our Strategic Commissioning team at Hampshire County Council.
Salary Range: £40,643 - £45,077 per annum
Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 7 September 2025
Interview Date: 17 September 2025
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Commissioning Officer to join our Strategic Commissioning team at Hampshire County Council.
The Role:
The Strategic Commissioning Team in the Council’s Corporate Services Directorate is seeking a dynamic, motivated, and creative Senior Commissioning Officer. This role supports and leads strategic commissioning for Children’s Services, specifically related to the Directorate’s statutory sufficiency duties. The team commissions services in the external market to meet a range of sufficiency obligations, including placements and provisions for children in care and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Operating in a fast-paced and agile environment, the team must respond effectively to changing needs and priorities.
What you’ll do:
- Lead and support the full commissioning cycle, including tenders and contracts that are complex, high-value, and strategically important.
- Develop and implement commissioning and category plans within and across the category management function.
- Build strong relationships with suppliers to secure market share and ensure best value for placements.
- Lead on contract monitoring and provider performance, resolving quality or capacity concerns swiftly.
- Deliver efficiencies and creative solutions through market engagement and data analysis.
- Report regularly at category level and contribute to service-wide priorities and shared objectives.
- Work collaboratively in a matrix environment, leading projects and key activities.
What we’re looking for:
- Highly organised and solution-focused with a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
- Strong attention to detail and well-developed analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and resolve issues autonomously.
- Strong IT skills, including the ability to manage, manipulate, analyse and present data to highlight findings and trends that inform strategic decision making.
- Commercially minded with a clear understanding of cost-effective and value-driven service delivery that meets the needs of children and families.
- A confident communicator with a passion for delivering quality services and achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.
Why join us?
Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment.
Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance.
We will offer you:
Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance.
We will offer you:
- Comprehensive induction programme with all necessary training.
- Commitment to personal development
- Preparation for future senior-level opportunities.
Our benefits package includes details of the holiday entitlement, pension scheme, flexi-time scheme, family friendly policies and interest free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.
If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire commissioning quality services to directly impact the lives of children and young people we’d love to hear from you.
Additional Information:
Senior Commissioning Officer Candidate Pack
Vetting Requirements:
This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
Jo Gibbs, Senior Category Manager on jo.gibbs@hants.gov.uk
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.