Commissioning Manager (National)

Job summary

Commissioning Manager (National)

£68,000 per annum

Bedford

Permanent

Hybrid Working

Sitting within the commissioning team as part of the debt function, this role focuses on supporting the National Programme Procurement Lead to design, implement and support national commissioning programmes for debt advice. Working closely with commercial, policy and delivery colleagues in a matrix environment, the postholder will ensure that the full commercial lifecycle - from programme design and application processes to grant award, monitoring, performance management and evaluation - reflects MaPS’ strategic priorities and regulatory responsibilities.

The role will champion good practice, strengthen provider capability, and ensure that funding supports high quality, client focused debt advice services. The role may also act as deputy to the National Programme Procurement Lead.

About Us

MaPS is based in bright, modern offices in Bedford, and we’re here to help people across the UK feel more confident and informed about their money.

Our values guide how we work together:

• Caring – for colleagues and the communities we support
• Connecting – building supportive, positive relationships
• Transforming – creating impact that truly matters

We’re proud to foster an inclusive, welcoming culture. Our colleague networks include LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, women’s health, men’s health and ethnicity groups — and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Job description

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to gain insights and ensure that commissioned debt advice services are aligned with MaPS' strategic objectives.
• Support and contribute to the entire commissioning process, from identification of needs to the evaluation of service delivery, ensuring compliance with MaPS' policies and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with the commissioning of debt advice services, ensuring that potential issues are addressed promptly and effectively.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of commissioning frameworks, resources and processes, incorporating best practices and feedback from stakeholders.
• Developing and maintaining effective records and collateral to support programme governance
• Sector liaison including the development and facilitation of engagement sessions and workshops for service providers to enhance their understanding of MaPS' commissioning requirements and improve service delivery outcomes.

Person specification

To excel in this role, you will need to demonstrate:

Essential

• Understanding of the debt advice sector or similar
• Understanding of the funding commissioning lifecycle, relevant commercial standards and the responsibilities of public-sector funders.
• Experience of grants or contract management
• Self-motivated and organised, efficiently managing multiple projects and stakeholders to ensure deadlines are consistently met and objectives achieved.
• Excellent communication skills including facilitation, presentations and in writing
• Negotiation skills and sound judgement to balance conflicting interests and priorities
• Ability to prepare detailed and accurate reports, crucial for documenting progress, analysing data, and informing stakeholders of developments and outcomes.

Desirable

• Extensive experience in debt advice sector, ideally in operational and strategic management and delivery
• Comprehensive knowledge of various funding mechanisms available within the advice sector, identifying and securing appropriate financial resources for clients and programs.
• Familiarity with contracts assurance, audit processes and evaluation approaches

Personal Attributes

• Effective operator within a matrix team
• Proactive
• Sees tasks through to completion
• Pragmatic
• Confident and capable of deputising for service lead

Benefits

• 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Pension contributions matched 2 to 1 (employer contribution up to 10% of your salary)
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme (up to £3,000)
• Subsidised eye tests & flu jabs
• Life assurance
• EAP Assist & Life
• Enhanced family and sick pay
• 2 paid volunteering days
• Recognition scheme
• Retail discounts portal

Flexible Working

We believe work should fit around life. This Bedford‑based role offers genuine flexibility so you can balance work, family, and personal commitments. We come together for purposeful team collaboration to stay connected and drive great results.

Career Development
We love supporting internal growth and progression, while continuing to follow fair and open Civil Service recruitment practices.

Important Information About Applying

• Please apply only via official MaPS links - we can’t accept applications via email or unauthorised sites.
• MaPS is unable to offer visa sponsorship.

Reserve List: If you're successful at interview, we may place you on a reserve list for up to 6 months. If a similar role becomes available, you may be offered it without the need for another assessment.

If you believe your application hasn’t followed the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles, you can contact [email removed]. If unresolved, you may then contact the Civil Service Commission.

Job Reference: MaPS01215

Close Date: 19/08/2026

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Our Recruitment Process

We keep things simple, fair, and transparent:

Step 1: Submit Your Application

Open: 05/08/2026 , Deadline: 19/08/2026

To apply, please submit the following documents:

1. Your most up-to-date CV
2. A cover letter (max 500 words). Please structure your cover letter as below:

• Essential Criteria & Desirable Criteria
  Using the essential and desirable criteria section of the job advert provide concise examples that demonstrate your judgement, level of responsibility and impact.

Step 2: Telephone Interview

Between 05/08/2026 – 21/08/2026

If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to a telephone interview with one of our recruiters. This is an opportunity to:

• Discuss your experience in more detail
• Learn more about the role and our organisation
• Ask any questions you may have

Step 3: Final St