Commissioning and Contracts Manager

Overview

Suffolk County Council

– Hybrid role based at Endeavour House, Russell Road, Ipswich, IP2 1BX. Salary £48,163 per annum (pro rata for part time). Hours 37 per week, flexible working options available. Contract: Permanent.At

Suffolk County Council , collaboration is at the heart of what we do. As a

Commissioning and Contracts Manager

in the Care Market Hub, you''ll work with colleagues, partners, and communities to build trust, share ideas, and deliver services that make a lasting impact. Reimagine the possibilities.Your role

This is a strategic and dynamic role where you''ll engage with the care market across Suffolk and the wider health and social care system. You''ll lead on quality improvement, workforce development, and contract management, representing Suffolk in regional forums and driving forward key initiatives.Your work will include:hybrid working with a mix of online and in-person meetings across Suffolkrepresenting Suffolk in regional meetings on international recruitment and contract managementcollaborating with care providers to support targeted improvements and market-wide quality oversightYour responsibilities

Lead care market intelligence and quality improvement, including line management of the Provider Support Team and facilitation of the Provider Performance BoardDevelop and implement best practice guidance for strategic commissioning and contract management, including a new audit processOversee Suffolk''s involvement in the regional hub for international recruitment, ensuring effective use of central government fundingManage contracts for workforce development support servicesMaintain strong relationships with strategic partners across the care sectorYou will need

Proven ability to navigate and work effectively within a political environmentStrong leadership skills that inspire and motivateExcellent organisational and time management abilitiesA proactive, self-driven approach to achieving resultsAnalytical skills to interpret data and inform decision-makingClear and confident communication skills, both written and verbalYou can view a full list of requirements in the

Job and Person Profile (Word) . If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don''t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.The team

The

Care Market Hub

is a collaborative and forward-thinking team at the centre of strategic commissioning and contract management for Adult Social Care. We lead on key projects such as the Care Market Strategy and Dementia Strategy, and manage contracts for countywide services. You''ll be joining a close-knit team of around 10 colleagues who share knowledge and expertise to drive meaningful change. We embrace hybrid working, typically spending two days a week together in the office (usually Monday/Tuesday and Wednesday), visiting care providers, and working from home.Empowering Everyone

We''re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We''re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our

Workforce Equality Report .For more information

Please contact

Helen Clarke

(she/her) for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling

01473 264016

or emailing

helen.clarke@suffolk.gov.ukHow to apply

Step 1 -

Read the

Job and Person Profile (Word) .Step 2 -

Click

Apply Now

to start your online application.Step 3 -

Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions (no more than 400 words per question). Use the

Supporting Statement template .Can you describe a time when you led a commissioning cycle from planning through to contract management? What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?Describe how you''ve supported staff development and career progression within your team.How have you used data and evidence to inform commissioning decisions? Can you give an example?Give an example of how you''ve worked collaboratively with social work teams or other commissioning partners to improve service outcomes.We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.Please note:

Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing

recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk

or calling

03456 014412 . If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.Closing date:

11.30pm, 21 September 2025.This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.Benefits

up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering daysmembership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefitsperformance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increasetraining and encouragement to expand your knowledgea variety of career development opportunities across our organisationdiverse and active staff networksflexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first dayPlus lots more!If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website ..... full job details .....