Head of Service for Children's Commissioning

Job Introduction

Job Title: Head of Service, Children’s Commissioning
Working Pattern: Hybrid working, contractual work base required
Salary: £84,302 - £92,514
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Closing Date: 26th April 2026
Interviews: 11th May 2026

Lincolnshire County Council’s Children’s Services is seeking an exceptional strategic leader to join our high‑performing senior leadership team as Head of Service for Children’s  Commissioning.

In this pivotal role, you will lead one of the most significant children’s commissioning portfolios in the country, overseeing 400 service contracts with an annual value of £120 million. You will shape, influence and transform services that support children, young people and families across Lincolnshire.

About the Role

You will lead a team of around 40 commissioning professionals, delivering the full commissioning cycle for a wide range of services including early years, family help, public health, mental health, SEND, alternative provision and social care.

Working closely with senior leaders, Members, system partners and providers, you will:

• Deliver commissioning in line with our Contract Procurement Procedure Rules and the Procurement Act 2023.
• Manage a budget of c.£8.1 million and oversee major contracts totalling £120 million.
• Drive continuous improvement, efficiency and value for money.
• Build strong partnerships with service users, providers, the voluntary sector and statutory agencies.
• Negotiate and establish high‑quality, outcome‑driven contracts.
• Provide visible leadership across corporate programmes and system‑wide initiatives.

This role plays a major part in shaping the direction of Children’s Services and ensuring that children’s needs and voices are at the heart of all commissioning decisions.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the planning, commissioning and review of services.
• Oversee needs analysis, forecasting, quality assurance and performance.
• Co-produce service design and improvement.
• Stimulate and shape provider markets, encouraging innovation.
• Champion integrated commissioning across partners, particularly with the Integrated Care Board.
• Ensure statutory duties and performance standards are met.
• Provide expert advice on commissioning, procurement and contract management.
• Foster a positive, flexible, high‑performing team culture.
• Represent the Council regionally and nationally.

About You

You will bring:

• Degree‑level education or an equivalent qualification/relevant experience.
• Significant experience in strategic commissioning and contract management.
• Strong financial, analytical and governance skills.
• A proven ability to lead change and deliver improvement.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship‑building skills.
• Political and commercial awareness.
• A motivating leadership style and a passion for improving outcomes for children.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to work within a large and ambitious system, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, that champions innovation and continuous improvement. You will join a supportive senior leadership team who share a strong, values‑driven commitment to children. We offer:

• Opportunities to lead major transformation programmes.
• Collaborative colleagues.
• Flexible working and a strong commitment to professional development.
• The chance to deliver meaningful, lasting impact for thousands of children and families.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you believe every child deserves the best start in life, and you have the strategic vision and leadership to help deliver it, we invite you to apply.

If you would like to discuss this role, please email Charlotte Gray, current Head of Service for Children’s Commissioning, on charlotte.gray@lincolnshire.gov.uk (excluding 13th-17th April 2026).

PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description (attached on LCC jobs Site) and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.

Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.

A relocation package may be considered for the successful candidate. More details relating to our Relocation Policy can be found here.

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Please also note: once an application is submitted it is final and cannot be amended. If you withdraw your application, it cannot be reinstated and you will not be able to submit another application for that vacancy. If you have an issue with your submitted application, please contact recruitment@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary.  Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Fluency Duty 

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.