Commissioning Manager – Cared for Children

Job Title: Commissioning Manager – Cared for Children (Interim, up to 4 months)
Location: Rochdale (Hybrid – minimum 2 days per week in the office)
Hours: 37 per week

Rochdale Borough Council is seeking an experienced Commissioning Manager to join our Integrated Commissioning Directorate for a period of up to 4 months. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in supporting our Cared for Children commissioning function, ensuring the best possible outcomes for children and young people across the borough.

The Role As a Commissioning Manager, you will:

• Lead and manage daily placement searches to ensure safe, appropriate, and cost-effective care solutions.
  
  
• Support the Strategic Lead for Children’s Commissioning in the development and delivery of the Care Sufficiency Strategy.
  
  
• Build and maintain positive relationships with providers to support a strong, sustainable local care market.
  
  
• Contribute to service planning, commissioning cycles, and market shaping to meet the needs of children, families, and carers.
  
  
• Play a key role in delivering effective commissioning practice, including contract management, performance monitoring, and ensuring value for money.
  
  

About You We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience in commissioning, ideally within Children’s or Adult Social Care.
  
  
• A track record of working in or alongside a large public sector organisation with multi-agency collaboration.
  
  
• Strong skills in performance and budget management, service redesign, and provider relationship management.
  
  
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels.
  
  
• The ability to manage conflict, complexity, and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  
  
• Flexibility to travel and work to tight deadlines.
  
  

Experience of managing staff and working within children’s services commissioning would be desirable.

Why Join Rochdale? You will be part of a committed, values-driven team working to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people. This hybrid role offers flexibility while ensuring strong collaboration, with a requirement to be in the office at least 2 days per week.

How to Apply If you are interested, please send your CV to john.deane@servicecare.org.uk.

? Referral Bonus: If you know someone who may be suitable, refer them! If they are successful, you can receive a £250 referral bonus.