Interim Head of Commissioning (Children and Families)

Lead transformational commissioning that changes children’s lives

Are you an experienced commissioning leader who thrives on driving strategic change, influencing system-wide improvement, and delivering better outcomes for children, young people and families? North Yorkshire Council is seeking an exceptional Interim Head of Commissioning to lead the commissioning strategy for Children's Services during an exciting period of transformation and development.

About the service

Providing strategic leadership for commissioning across Children and Young People’s Services, leading transformation and delivering high-quality, value for money services through partnership working, this is a rare opportunity to shape services across one of England's largest local authority areas, ensuring children and families receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place.

As a key member of the Children's Partnership and Sufficiency Leadership Team, you will play a pivotal role in developing sustainable, high-quality services while building strong partnerships across health, education, social care, the voluntary sector, and wider stakeholders.

About the role

This is a highly influential leadership role with responsibility for the full commissioning lifecycle across Children's Services.

You will:

• Lead commissioning strategy and transformation programmes across Children's and Young People's Services.
• Shape and develop a sustainable provider market that delivers high-quality, value-for-money services.
• Drive innovation through needs analysis, market intelligence, evidence-based decision making, and service redesign.
• Oversee commissioning, procurement, contract management, mobilisation, and evaluation activity.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
• Support the delivery of statutory sufficiency duties and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Lead and inspire commissioning teams, creating a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and collaboration.
• Work closely with senior leaders and elected members to influence strategic direction and deliver lasting impact.

About you

We're looking for a strategic leader with significant experience of commissioning within children's services and a track record of delivering large-scale transformation.

You will bring:

• Extensive senior leadership experience in children's services commissioning.
• Experience managing substantial budgets, contracts, provider relationships, and resources.
• Strong knowledge of children's services legislation, safeguarding, and statutory responsibilities.
• A proven ability to develop and implement commissioning strategies based on evidence, data, and market insight.
• Excellent partnership-building, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to balance quality outcomes with financial sustainability.
• The confidence to operate in a complex political environment and work effectively with senior leaders and elected members.

In return, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Make a genuine difference to children, young people and families across North Yorkshire.
• Lead high-profile strategic programmes with significant organisational impact.
• Work with talented, committed colleagues and partners across the region.
• Influence service design and transformation at a senior level.
• Further develop your leadership career within one of the UK's largest local authorities.

At North Yorkshire Council, we are ambitious about improving outcomes for children and families. We believe great commissioning has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and create sustainable services for the future.

If you're an experienced commissioning leader with the vision, commercial acumen, and passion to drive meaningful change for children and families, we'd love to hear from you.

For further information about the role please contact Jo Heaney at gill.willkinson@northyorks.gov.uk

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Key Documents

Job Description

• Total Rewards Brochure
• Key Dates
• Closing Date: 12th October 2026
• Interview Date: w/c 19th October 2026

This is a politically restricted post as defined by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

North Yorkshire Councils’ purpose is to deliver services and facilities to the diverse residents and visitors of North Yorkshire. To ensure we deliver inclusive services we strive to have a diverse workforce where everybody can be themselves by respecting differences and embedding equality of opportunity. We celebrate diversity and recognise each other’s contributions; we therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.