We require a Strategic Commissioning Manager o support our clients Children & Adult’s Service Management Team to commission effective services that improves outcomes for local people. To ensure that resources are used to commission services that make a positive impact, meet our statutory obligations, and contribute to the Council’s overall strategic objectives. To work collectively as part of the Commissioning and Contracting Team. What are you expected to do? • Improve the outcomes by overseeing and managing the planning, commissioning and implementation of relevant and related services. Identify need and realign provision where required to maintain high quality outcomes. • Contribute to the identification, review and monitoring of priorities. Develop and maintain effective working relationships, with all relevant providers. Monitor and review provider’s performance and work directly with colleagues from the Contracts Team on monitoring the quality assurance issues. • Ensure that the Council’s agreed strategic objectives are embedded in the systems and processes for the commissioning function. • Implement strategies to improve the performance of services with all providers. Monitor and review progress. • To work with key senior managers within DBC to determine local priorities reflecting the needs clients, identifying the correct mix and balance of support provision. • Contribute to strategic workforce planning and the development and implementation of relevant plans. • Represent the service and deputise for the Lead Strategic Commissioning and Contract Managerwhere appropriate. • Manage stakeholder relationships appropriate to the work portfolio, including provider relationship management, Partnership Networks and work with users and carers, ensuring effective voice in development and new arrangements. • Support negotiations to commission services with independent and private sector providers in relation to price and service requirements to meet local needs. • To work with other commissioners across the Tees Valley, North East and wider areas to share practice and develop more efficient and effective models for delivery as appropriate. • Manage your officers in line with all the Council’s policies and procedures and ensure that employees are aware of their obligations under these. What you need to do it? • Educated to degree level or equivalent • Approx. 5 years’ experience of managing Commissioning, Contracting and Placement/Brokerage functions • Demonstratable experience of staff management • Demonstratable experience of project management • Demonstratable experience in management of safeguarding systems and processes • Understanding of legislation, regulations and guidance relevant to this role • To develop team working across the local area and a range of disciplines to ensure good outcomes for service users and high standards of social care practice. What you need to be successful? • Collaborative leadership style with an ability to adapt when needed • Ability to prioritise within ever changing competing risks and challenges • Ability to summarise, interpret and analyse complex data • Ability to analyse information for meaning, quality and implication and develop reports where necessary. • Excellent communication skills to represent the People Group in relevant multi-agency meetings • IT literacy skills • Ability to identify, form and maintain positive working relationships, including a range of stakeholders • An understanding of the positive supportive culture within Darlington Borough Council and an ability to embrace and deliver a positive culture of learning • To develop constructive working relationships with senior managers and leaders that support their engagement in Commissioning and Contract led programmes of work within the Team, with peers in the wider People group and Council and with external partners • Demonstrate emotional resilience and ability to manage competing priorities • Good communication skills and emotional intelligence