Commissioning Manager

Job Introduction

Commissioning Manager – Collaborative Commissioning Program Team 

Are you ready to make a positive difference?

We are looking for an ambitious and experienced Commissioning Manager to join our Collaborative Commissioning program team in the People Commissioning Service for Children and Young People.

This is your chance to help shape how we commission services that truly matter for Bradford Children in Care. This role is at the heart of the People Commissioning Service, building relationships and providing all ages commissioning and contract management functions for Adult Social Care, Childrens Services and Public Health. We are committed to investing in our staff, to co-producing services with the people who use them and developing and improving services for our communities in Bradford.

The role:

This a fixed term opportunity for 20 months, to work with the program lead and manage a small team to develop and embed a comprehensive, collaborative and relational commissioning approach that will deliver improved market stability, quality and value for money for commissioned services for children in care

We are looking for someone with commissioning management experience, who is a creative thinker and problem solver, who can manage projects, communicate and negotiate with a wide range of people, and write well.

The main responsibilities of this role:

• To work with the Collaborative Commissioning project lead in developing and supporting the wider implementation of the collaborative commissioning approach for Bradford within the Children in Care commissioning team.
• To implement and embed an enhanced market engagement, cost of care methodology, and continuous provider dialogue process within the children in care commissioning function.
• To implement and embed relational commissioning principles that promote shared accountability, transparency and ethical practice.
• To help determine through research, intelligence and evaluation of changing service patterns, requirements for service changes. 
• To identify information flows and requirements to inform commissioning priorities and to underpin the development of future service requirements.
• To report on commissioning issues and make recommendations for action.

• To work with others to monitor and evaluate services and their performance against specific outcomes and objectives to achieve the best possible standards of service and value for money. 
• Support the development of service level agreements and/or service specifications for contracts with suppliers and commissioning team members.
• To contribute to the development of the market.
• To contribute to working groups/project teams as appropriate and to manage particular projects and service developments in partnership with managers.
• To keep abreast of policies, procedures, evidence of effectiveness, government guidance and legislation related to adult commissioning and to ensure implementation of national guidance across the Department’s areas of responsibility.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to improve outcomes for the people of Bradford.
• A supportive, collaborative team environment with strong partnership working.
• Competitive terms and conditions, including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining our team and would like some further information, please contact Steve Harrison on steven.harrison@bradford.gov.uk 

Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 28th September 2026

Employee Offer

Why work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at Our Employee Offer.pdf

Equal Opportunities 

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.