Suffolk County Council
- Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX (Hybrid working)
- Salary: £48,163 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Hours: 37 hours per week, Flexible working options available.
- Contract: Permanent
We’re passionate about improving the future and lives of the people we support, supporting and empowering them to live independently and enjoy ordinary, fulfilling lives within their communities. If you share that passion, join us as a Commissioning and Contracts Manager in our Strategic Commissioning and Contracts Team. Your innovation, ambition and commitment will help shape meaningful change, continually improving the way we work. With the support and opportunities we offer, you’ll make a real difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy.
Responsibilities
We're looking for a proactive Commissioning and Contracts Manager to drive smarter, more efficient services. You'll optimise contracts, analyse third party spend, and shape future service models to ensure our commissioning approach is sustainable and aligned with strategic priorities. Working closely with colleagues and partners, you'll use insight, data and creativity to support transformation and improve outcomes for communities.
- Improve and optimise contracts to strengthen value and service quality.
- Analyse and manage third party spend to ensure accountability and sustainability.
- Model services to reflect strategic priorities and commissioning intentions.
- Work collaboratively across programmes, providing challenge, insight and support.
- Use performance data to inform decisions and strengthen outcomes.
- Promote continuous improvement and encourage agile, smarter commissioning.
Day to day
- Identify trends and opportunities through contract analysis.
- Lead discussions with providers on performance, quality and innovation.
- Collaborate with engaged colleagues across teams.
- Influence meaningful change that impacts people's lives.
Qualifications
- Relevant commissioning and contract management experience, supported by study or practical expertise.
- A collaborative, creative and co‑productive mindset, bringing ideas, curiosity and problem‑solving skills.
- Strong analytical and strategic ability, using data, financial insight and big‑picture thinking to inform decisions.
- Excellent communication and relationship building skills, influencing and working effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- A resilient, improvement‑focused approach, taking ownership, delivering quality work, and driving continuous improvement.
Benefits
- Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days.
- Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
- Performance‑related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost‑of‑living pay increase.
- Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge.
- A variety of career development opportunities across our organisation.
- Diverse and active staff networks.
- Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day.
Equal Opportunities & Accessibility
We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412.
Closing date
11.30 pm, 17 May 2026.
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 will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
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