Head of Commissioning for Family Help and Young & Thriving

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, passionate and committed leader to work in Dorset Council, a forward -thinking local authority at the forefront of innovation in local government.

As part of our Dorset Children Thrive Model and Partnership’s ten- year plan Children Young People and Families Plan 2023-2033, we are enhancing our senior leadership and aligning Heads of Service alongside our challenges and priorities. Our Commissioning & Partnerships function is key to our continued success, enabling us to respond effectively and reflect our ambition for children, young people and families.

You will provide inspirational, inclusive and engaging leadership, ensuring best value and have a drive for continuous improvement and excellence. You’ll provide strategic direction to Best Start in Life, young and thriving team and contracting team, leading the development of our Early years and Early Help strategies.

You’ll find dedicated and like-minded colleagues across directorates and our partners; colleagues who care deeply about providing and continuously improving the best outcomes possible to enable every child and young person to reach their full potential.

To Succeed In This Role, You Will

• Have proven leadership experience in commissioning children’s services
• Strong understanding of the commissioning cycle, strategic planning and procurement
• A commitment to improving outcomes from early years to settled adulthood and engagement with families and young people in service design
• Strong knowledge of contracting, legislation and relevant guidance and regulatory landscape
• A passion for a collaborative approach with an established reputation in building and maintaining effective partnerships.