Head of Strategic Commissioning and Transformation - Children's Services

Head of Strategic Commissioning and Transformation - Children's Services

Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary: £73,452 - £80,878 Per Annum, Plus Benefits
Location: Wokingham
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: Yes
Closing Date: 31/08/2025 at 23:00
Reference: 710627

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for improving outcomes for children, young people, and families?

We have a fantastic opportunity available for a Head of Strategic Commissioning and Transformation to join our Children's Services Team at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full time, permanent basis.

As Head of Strategic Commissioning and Transformation, you will play a pivotal role in the heart of our children's services, and be responsible for shaping and delivering high-quality, child-centred services through strategic planning, commissioning-led transformation, and robust quality assurance.

Benefits:
Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it's a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:
A generous annual leave entitlement of days 31 (rising to 36 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays
An excellent local government pension scheme
An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline
A range of local & lifestyle discounts
Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)
Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes
And much more!

Key responsibilities:
• Leading strategic planning and transformation across Early Help, Social Care, Education, SEND, and Home Finding.
• Driving innovation and continuous improvement through evidence-based commissioning.
• Overseeing contract management, market development, and performance monitoring.
• Championing co-production and ensuring the voice of children and families informs service design.
• Managing a high-performing team including Commissioning Managers and the Home Finding Team Manager.
• Representing the service in multi-agency forums and strategic partnerships.

Candidate requirements:
• Proven senior leadership experience in Commissioning and Transformation
• Strong understanding of commissioning principles, contract management, and market shaping.
• Excellent strategic thinking, analytical skills, and ability to lead complex change programmes.
• Experience of change management and leadership.
• Experience of Relational, Partnership working, stakeholder management, internal and external.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and co-production.
• Politically astute with excellent stakeholder engagement skills.

Our Area
Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We're home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Click the link below and apply today. Alternatively, if you would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please e-mail

Closing date: Sunday 31st August 2025, 11pm
Interviews: Week Commencing 1st September 2025

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.

How to apply

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Further information on this vacancy

• Job Description