Join us in creating a healthier, fairer future for our communities.

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff.

Be at the heart of transforming health and social care services.

The Commissioning, Performance and Service Development Service at Gateshead Council plays a vital role in improving the lives of local people by ensuring high-quality, effective services are designed, delivered, and continuously improved. The service leads on identifying needs across adult social care, children's services, and education, shaping and commissioning services in partnership with providers and stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes for residents. It also oversees performance management, giving a clear understanding of how well services are supporting people, while driving service improvement through insight, innovation, and learning. With responsibility for areas such as home-to-school transport, complaints and feedback, and strategic development, the service is at the heart of shaping responsive, efficient, and forward-thinking services that meet the needs of Gateshead's communities.

Help build services that truly meet the needs of local people.

Gateshead Council is looking to recruit a Commissioning Officer. This role plays a vital part in improving health and social care outcomes for people across Gateshead by shaping and delivering effective commissioning strategies. Working in partnership with health services, social care providers, and community organisations, you will drive transformation and integration across the system. You'll use data, insight, and collaboration to design high-quality, sustainable services that meet population needs, reduce inequalities, and deliver real impact for local communities.

What you'll get to do:

• Lead on the development and implementation of evidence-based commissioning intentions for designated groups.
• Contribute to the development of joint commissioning strategies across Council services and external partners.
• Contribute to the Public Health Agenda through contribution to the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, addressing health inequalities, and providing commissioning support as required.
• Stimulate and develop the market to meet the needs of identified groups ensuring services are of a high quality, value for money and sustainable.
• Create effective working relationships with providers and key stakeholders to ensure services are developed and monitored to meet identified needs in alignment with local, regional and national priorities.
• Ensure effective collaboration with the Council's procurement team in managing the tendering and procurement process where appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with the contract monitoring and quality assurance to ensure high quality and value for money in commissioned services
• Contribute to budget management for identified services and needs.
• Work collaboratively with partners across the system to promote health and social care integration, transformation of services, and targeted interventions to address gaps in service and inequality.

What you'll bring:

• Degree-level education (or equivalent experience) with a strong understanding of health and social care policy, legislation, and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience working across organisations, building effective relationships, and influencing stakeholders.
• Confident in presenting complex information clearly to a range of audiences.
• Ability to apply national policy at a local level, using insight to shape effective services and drive improvement.
• Experience in project and change management, with sound decision-making and leadership capability (including managing people where applicable).
• Able to interpret complex information, manage budgets or financial data, and produce clear, evidence-based recommendations.
• Self-motivated, able to manage your own workload, and confident using IT to deliver high-quality outcomes.

What's in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary - we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions - a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services - plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

How to apply

You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you'll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.

If you have any questions about your application, please don't hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via [email protected]

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.