• Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people?
• Are you ambitious, hardworking and relationship focused?

Look no further! We have a fantastic opportunity for a Strategy and Commissioning Officer to join our Children's Services team here at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

Things are happening and changing at pace here in Children's Services in Stockton-on-Tees. This is an exciting time to join us to be part of our journey to improve outcomes for Children and Young People within the Borough.

The Strategy and Commissioning Officer is crucial to the next phase of our journey. You will be part of the established Children's Strategy and Commissioning Team and will work collaboratively across the Children's Services Directorate, with a range of system partners and families to develop, support and deliver a programme of change that meets the needs of children and young people.

We recognise that we promote the best outcomes for children and young people by focusing on relationships with and within families, and also with each other as a staff team and with our multiagency partners. We are revising our workforce strategy to support this with an emphasis on working together in a supportive environment.

In this role, you will:

• Support commissioning and contract management of services for children, young people and families.
• Help deliver commissioning strategies to ensure high-quality, effective services.
• Work with providers and partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
• Contribute to service design, improvement and performance monitoring.
• Use data and market insight to inform decisions and improvements.
• Support projects, reporting and financial monitoring.
• Work flexibly across Children's Services to achieve positive outcomes.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has experience in commissioning, service delivery or project-based roles.
• Can work confidently with data, performance information and reports.
• Is comfortable working with a range of partners and stakeholders.
• Has strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Can support service design, improvement and quality assurance activity.
• Is organised, adaptable and able to manage competing priorities.
• Is committed to improving outcomes for children, young people and families.

For more detailed information about the role, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification included in the Supporting Documents section.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council prides itself on being a great place to work where staff are trusted, valued and supported to make a positive contribution at work.

We offer an excellent total reward package, including:

• A competitive salary of up to £40,777
• 27 days annual leave per year rising to 32 with 5 years service (plus bank holidays). Ability to purchase additional leave is also available.
• Generous Pension Scheme through the LGPS with ability to pay extra and plan for retirement.
• Access to a number of other employee benefits including learning & development opportunities, a car lease scheme, discounts at high street and online retailers, online GP appointments, an employee assistance programme and physiotherapy services.

We will support you to flourish and be the best you can be. In addition to excellent career progression opportunities, with a clear and supported development path, we also offer agile working, with flexible and family friendly policies.

For more information about working for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, please visit the Careers section on our website:

Rewarding careers. We do that - Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

If you would like an informal discussion about the post, please contact Gemma Mann, Team Manager Children's Strategy and Commissioning, at gemma.mann@stockton.gov.uk or Jane Smith, Head of Service Children's Strategy and Commissioning, at jane.smith@stockton.gov.uk

We are intending to interview on Wednesday 20 May and you will receive notification through North East Jobs if you have been shortlisted.

We anticipate a high level of interest in this role and may close the vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date, therefore we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Important Applicant Guidance

Accuracy and Use of AI Tools: You must ensure that anything submitted in your application is factually accurate. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Whilst we accept candidates may use AI tools within job applications; submissions must be truthful and relevant to your own experience.

Application Updates and Communication: All updates regarding your application, including interview invitations, will be sent from 'DONOTREPLY@NORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK' to the email linked to your North East Jobs account, and will also appear in the 'My Messages' section of your account.

Right to Work: All applicants must provide valid proof of their right to work in the UK in accordance with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's statutory employment checks. Employment cannot commence or continue unless this has been verified.

Visa Sponsorship: The Council offers visa sponsorship only for a small number of specific roles where it is considered appropriate and necessary to meet service needs. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is not relevant or applicable to most roles.

Council Principles: The Council's recruitment principles require fairness, transparency, and a commitment to attracting and developing local talent. Sponsorship will only be offered where there is clear, evidenced justification, such as significant recruitment difficulty or the need for specialist skills that cannot be met from the local labour market.

Limitations: Where an individual (prospective or existing employee) cannot demonstrate a valid right to work in the UK, and where visa sponsorship is not appropriate, justified or approved, the Council will be unable to progress or continue the appointment. This includes cases where an existing employee's visa is due to expire and sponsorship is not granted.