Job Description

The Service & Team

Lead innovative commissioning that improves lives across Cornwall

Cornwall Council is nationally recognised for its integrated and forward-thinking approach to commissioning. We work in strong partnership across health, education, and social care to deliver services that make a real difference to children, young people, and families.


As a Commissioning Manager, you'll lead on a key area of work within the People Commissioning service (Together for Families), driving innovation and collaboration across systems. You'll develop and deliver commissioning strategies that improve outcomes, promote social value, and ensure high-quality, cost-effective services.


This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives on shaping services through evidence, engagement, and delivery. You'll work closely with stakeholders and providers, co-designing solutions that respond to need and build capacity in our communities

Your Impact

You'll be responsible for leading commissioning activity across a defined service area, contributing to the wider strategic direction of the Together for Families Directorate. You'll manage contracts, shape service specifications, and ensure services deliver against outcomes and value for money.


In this role, you will:


Lead the development and implementation of commissioning strategies for your service area. Work in partnership across health, education, and social care to design integrated pathways and services. Manage a portfolio of contracts, ensuring quality, performance, and compliance. Identify opportunities for innovation, value for money, social value, and community asset development. Represent Cornwall Council at strategic forums and partnership boards. Support market development and provider engagement to ensure sufficiency and sustainability.
This position will be subject to an enhanced criminal record disclosure check.

Working Pattern:

This is an 18.5 hour role. Working patterns are flexible in this role, such as hybrid work arrangements (including time in the office), compressed hours, term-time only and other alternatives.

About You

We're looking for someone who combines commissioning expertise with creativity and collaboration. You'll bring:


Experience in commissioning and contract management across children's services or related sectors. Strong partnership working skills, with the ability to influence and co-design across systems. A track record of delivering service improvements and managing complex projects. The ability to interpret data, develop strategies, and lead implementation with confidence.

Why Join Us

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead commissioning work that directly improves the lives of children and families in Cornwall. You'll join a supportive and ambitious team, with the freedom to innovate and the backing to deliver.


We offer:


A competitive salary Flexible hybrid working Generous annual leave, with the option to purchase additional days Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme A nationally recognised employee wellbeing programme Access to a wide range of discounts on goods and services Relocation support, if applicable Investment in your career and development The chance to lead work that transforms lives

Additional Information

Cornwall Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship or transfer existing sponsorship for this role.





We recommend saving a copy of this to refer to if you are invited to an interview.


For more information or an informal chat about the role please contact Liane Low - liane.low@cornwall.gov.uk

Application Process

Please attach a supporting statement to your application, you can add your Education & Qualifications details manually using the application form timeline or you can upload your CV. Remember to demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points marked as 'Application' on the Role Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. Guidance on how to complete your application can be found here - The application process .


Please note that applications cannot be edited after they have been submitted, please contact careers@cornwall.gov.uk if you have any queries or require assistance with your application.

Existing employees must apply using their Cornwall Council email address through the Opportunity Marketplace on Oracle.