Commissioning and Contracts Officer

• Suffolk County Council
• Address:West Suffolk House Bury St Edmunds Western Way Suffolk IP33 3YU - Hybrid working
• Salary: 34434 - 40777 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week flexible working options available
• Contract: Fixed Term or Secondment for 12 months

At Suffolk County Council collaboration is central to how we work. As a Commissioning and Contract Officer within the Strategic Commissioning and Contract Management Team youll help shape and deliver services that make a real difference. Working alongside colleagues providers and communities youll build trusted relationships develop innovative solutions and ensure our contracts and commissioning strategies meet the needs of those we support - now and into the future.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

On a daily basis you might:

• Use your insight to support service development helping to shape proposals based on community needs national best practice and stakeholder feedback.
• Engage with providers and partners building strong relationships to ensure services are ready to meet evolving care models.
• Monitor contracts and performance reviewing supplier data and working with colleagues to address any issues and drive improvements.
• Support co-production efforts working alongside social work teams service users and commissioning partners to design services that reflect real needs.
• Contribute to market research gathering intelligence to inform commissioning decisions and future planning.
• Collaborate across teams sharing ideas and working with practice quality and workforce leads to ensure joined-up thinking and delivery.
• Deputise for senior colleagues stepping in to support leadership and decision-making when needed.

You will need:

• a background in commissioning contract management or service development ideally within adult social care health housing or public services but transferable experience from other sectors is absolutely welcome
• strong relationship-building skills with the ability to work confidently with providers partners and internal teams
• an eye for detail and a head for data able to monitor supplier performance interpret metrics and support improvements
• experience supporting change whether through service redesign procurement or market development
• a proactive mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities and respond flexibly to emerging needs
• a genuine passion for making a positive impact in Suffolk
• a commitment to fairness inclusion and safeguarding
• a collaborative spirit someone who supports colleagues and contributes to a positive team culture.

You can view a full list of requirements in theJob and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role apply. Even if you dont meet all requirements still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

• We play a key role in shaping adult social care services across Suffolk. Our purpose is simple: to ensure services are well-designed sustainable and meet real needs.
• We work closely with providers social work teams health partners and communities to co-produce solutions that help people live more independently safely and with dignity.
• Our culture is collaborative and supportive - we share ideas celebrate wins and tackle challenges together. Were agile and responsive always adapting to the needs of the market and those we serve.
• We practice hybrid working with most of us in the office on Wednesdays to connect face-to-face while enjoying remote flexibility.

Empowering Everyone

Were big believers in potential possibility and the power of different ideas. Were always searching for ways to encourage respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Karl Taber (he/him) for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling or emailing

If you want to apply for a secondment read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.

How to apply

Step 1 -Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 -Click Apply Now to start your online application.

Step 3 -Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.

1. How have you managed supplier relationships to ensure effective communication and delivery of contracted services
2. Give an example of how you have used customer feedback to drive service improvements.
3. Share an example of how you have managed and briefed senior management using key performance indicators or contract performance systems.
4. Tell me about a time when you had to travel frequently for work. How did you manage your responsibilities and maintain effective communication

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

Please note:Without a supporting statement and CV your interest will not be progressed. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing or calling .If you are invited to the next stage of selection you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.

Closing date:11.30pm 2 November 2025.

This authority 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. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid