Commissioning Officer (Children's)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for the Full Time Commissioning and Procurement Officer, Children’s post. You would join the busy Commissioning and Procurement team supporting the Category Manager & Service Manager on the long term strategic planning of the Council.

The role entails you actively support the Children’s & Family Services in the Procurement and negotiation of Framework and individual spot purchase care packages for Children’s & Family Services, including but not limited to: schools, respite, fostering agencies and other services from the private and voluntary sectors.

You will need to insure robust mechanisms are in place to promote effective partnership working with a range of provider organizations, specifically but not limited to Children’s services.

You will need to Identify and achieve efficiencies in commissioning and opportunities for cost savings by working closely with service areas and wider stakeholders.

This position requires the candidate to work well as part of a team in order to meet strict deadlines, but maintain a high degree of accuracy along with excellent communication skills.

There is development within the role as this provides the opportunity for continued learning through a supported qualification programme and on the job training working with a rapidly changing and complex service area.

Applicants should have at least five GCSEs at grade C and above including Maths and English as well as being educated to degree level or equivalent. You will be required to demonstrate that you are computer literate with a strong emphasis on Excel.

West Berkshire Council offer excellent employment benefits such as flexible working, access to a wide range of relevant training, local government pension scheme, family friendly policies, a range of local discounts and much more. You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement of 29 days per annum rising to a maximum of 34 days.

For an informal discussion please contact Thomas Bailey, Category Manager Social Care, on 01635 519021 or Karen Felgate, Service Manager Commissioning and Procurement for People on 01635 519586.