Commissioning Officer – AR

Location: London Borough of Hackney
Grade: PO4
Directorate: Children, Adults and Community Health
Service: Adult Commissioning Team

Job Overview

The London Borough of Hackney is seeking an experienced Commissioning Officer to support the development, delivery and improvement of adult social care, mental health, prevention and wellbeing services.

Working within the Adult Commissioning Team, you will manage a portfolio of contracts and projects, ensuring commissioned services meet residents’ needs, deliver positive outcomes and provide value for money. You will work closely with internal Council departments, housing organisations, health services, external providers and service users to develop effective services and identify opportunities for improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of commissioned service contracts and projects, monitoring performance, quality, financial management and contractual compliance.
• Lead and support service reviews, commissioning projects, options appraisals and business cases.
• Analyse service data, financial information and local needs to identify gaps in provision and inform commissioning strategies.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with providers, health and social care partners, housing organisations and other stakeholders.
• Support procurement, contract development and the creation of service specifications and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Monitor provider performance, identify risks and implement improvement plans where required.
• Engage with service users, carers and local communities through consultations, surveys and focus groups to inform service development.
• Support provider market development, encouraging new providers and improving the quality and sustainability of existing services.
• Prepare accurate reports, research findings and recommendations for senior managers, committees and partner organisations.
• Contribute to service improvement, prevention initiatives and Council savings plans while maintaining high standards of service delivery.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Experience working in commissioning, contract management or a contracting environment.
• Knowledge of adult social care, mental health, housing or health services.
• Experience managing projects and delivering initiatives within agreed deadlines and budgets.
• Experience monitoring contracts, service performance, KPIs and financial information.
• Strong stakeholder management and partnership-working skills.
• Excellent research, analytical, report-writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to identify service needs, evaluate performance and recommend improvements.
• Understanding of relevant health and social care legislation, equality, social inclusion and the importance of prevention and wellbeing.

Personal Attributes

• Strong communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a high-pressure environment.
• A proactive and analytical approach to problem-solving and service improvement.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider team.
• Professional judgement, political awareness and a commitment to improving outcomes for Hackney residents.

Working Arrangements

The post is based within the London Borough of Hackney. Occasional work outside normal office hours may be required to attend stakeholder meetings and partnership forums.

Role Objective

To ensure adult social care, mental health and prevention services are effectively commissioned, well managed and financially sustainable, delivering high-quality, person-centred outcomes for residents across Hackney.