Interim Head of Commissioning (Children & Families)

Are you an experienced commissioning leader who thrives on driving strategic change, influencing system-wide improvement, and delivering better outcomes for children, young people and families? North Yorkshire Council is seeking an exceptional Interim Head of Commissioning to lead the commissioning strategy for Children's Services during an exciting period of transformation and development. About the service Providing strategic leadership for commissioning across Children and Young Peoples Services, leading transformation and delivering high-quality, value for money services through partnership working, this is a rare opportunity to shape services across one of England's largest local authority areas, ensuring children and families receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place. As a key member of the Children's Partnership and Sufficiency Leadership Team, you will play a pivotal role in developing sustainable, high-quality services while building strong partnerships across health, education, social care, the voluntary sector, and wider stakeholders.,

• Lead commissioning strategy and transformation programmes across Children's and Young People's Services.
• Shape and develop a sustainable provider market that delivers high-quality, value-for-money services.
• Drive innovation through needs analysis, market intelligence, evidence-based decision making, and service redesign.
• Oversee commissioning, procurement, contract management, mobilisation, and evaluation activity.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors
• Support the delivery of statutory sufficiency duties and safeguarding responsibilities
• Lead and inspire commissioning teams, creating a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and collaboration
• Work closely with senior leaders and elected members to influence strategic direction and deliver lasting impact
  
  Strong knowledge of children's services legislation, safeguarding, and statutory responsibilities
• A proven ability to develop and implement commissioning strategies based on evidence, data, and market insight
• Excellent partnership-building, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
• Commercial awareness and the ability to balance quality outcomes with financial sustainability
• The confidence to operate in a complex political environment and work effectively with senior leaders and elected members
  
  In return, you'll have the opportunity to:
• Make a genuine difference to children, young people and families across North Yorkshire.
• Lead high-profile strategic programmes with significant organisational impact.
• Work with talented, committed colleagues and partners across the region.
• Influence service design and transformation at a senior level.
• Further develop your leadership career within one of the UK's largest local authorities.
At North Yorkshire Council, we are ambitious about improving outcomes for children and families. We believe great commissioning has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and create sustainable services for the future. If you're an experienced commissioning leader with the vision, commercial acumen, and passion to drive meaningful change for children and families, we'd love to hear from you.