Projects & Contracts Officer

This is where contracts meet real life.

We’re looking for a Projects and Contracts Officer who can turn ambition into delivery and strategy into services that genuinely improve the lives of children and young people.

In Children’s Commissioning, the work matters. The specifications you write, the contracts you manage and the performance you monitor directly influence the quality and safety of services supporting vulnerable children. If you’re motivated by impact, this is your role.

What you’ll be responsible for

• Designing clear, outcome-focused service specifications

• Leading and supporting procurement and contracting processes end to end

• Negotiating and managing contracts with providers and partners

• Monitoring performance, compliance and risk

• Completing Quality Assurance audits, visits and reports

• Managing project finances and driving value for money

• Producing high-quality reports, KPIs and briefings for senior leaders

• Working across teams including finance and legal to resolve issues and deliver results

This is a fast-paced environment. You’ll need to be organised, confident and comfortable holding providers to account while maintaining strong professional relationships.

What we’re looking for

You’ll bring:

• Experience of project management, including procurement and contract management

• Experience of performance monitoring and KPI reporting

• Knowledge of public sector procurement and contract management principles

• Knowledge of the principles of quality assurance and safeguarding

• Experience of budget monitoring and financial oversight

• Strong communication and negotiation skills, including working with senior stakeholders

• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines

A degree or relevant project/programme qualification is desirable.

Why join us?

You’ll be part of an ambitious Children’s Service committed to improving sufficiency, quality and outcomes.

You’ll have the opportunity to shape services that support children in care, strengthen families and deliver measurable impact.

This isn’t just contract management. It’s public service with purpose.