Children's Interim Commissioning Manager

Interim / Temporary - Inside IR35

Location: Merseyside (Hybrid - minimum 2 days onsite per week)

Start Date: 3 March 2026

Duration: 12 weeks (initial)

Hours: 35 per week

Rate:

• PAYE: £50.89 per hour
• Umbrella/Ltd: £67.18 per hour

Ribble Recruitment is supporting a large local authority in the North West to appoint an experienced Children's Interim Commissioning Manager on a business-critical interim basis.

This role sits within Children & Young People's Services, with a strong focus on commissioning, contract management, and performance oversight across a range of children's services.

You will be responsible for commissioning and managing a portfolio of contracts across Children's and Young People's Services, ensuring high-quality delivery, robust performance monitoring, and value for money. The post requires close collaboration with internal stakeholders including procurement, legal, finance, education, health, and social care.

• Commission services that meet the needs of children, young people, and families, working closely with partner agencies
• Manage and monitor contracts to ensure delivery against agreed objectives, KPIs, quality standards, and budgets
• Work collaboratively with procurement, legal, and finance to ensure compliance with financial regulations, contract standing orders, and procurement rules
• Contribute to the development and delivery of the Commissioning and Sufficiency Strategy
• Lead improvement projects focused on service quality, efficiency, and value for money
• Produce clear management reports highlighting performance, risks, and mitigation actions
• Maintain effective stakeholder relationships and promote best practice in commissioning and contract management
• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with data protection and freedom of information requirements

• Proven track record of commissioning within Children's Services
• Experience commissioning education-related services (e.g. Alternative Provision) is highly desirable
• Strong experience in contract management, financial monitoring, and performance management
• Demonstrable experience working strategically with procurement and ensuring compliance with governance frameworks
• Excellent reporting, data analysis, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience working in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment
• Degree or equivalent professional experience
• Ability to attend the office a minimum of 2 days per week