Commissioning and Contracts Officer

Description:

Connect2Hackney, the internal talent team for the London Borough of Hackney, are currently seeking a Commissioning and Contracts Officer within our Public Health team.

About the Role

Are you an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Commissioning and Contracts Officer looking to develop your career in public health services? We are seeking a motivated individual to join the City and Hackney Public Health Team within either our Health Protection and Improvement Unit or Ill Health Prevention Unit.

Working closely with senior colleagues in the Commissioning Team, you will deliver an effective commissioning and contract management support function. You will play a key role in ensuring that services are procured effectively, contracts are managed efficiently, and that we achieve positive, high-quality outcomes for our community.

Key Responsibilities:

Contract & Financial Management: Assist in creating and maintaining an effective contract management system, including performance monitoring, budget tracking, and monitoring spend against priorities set by the Programme Board.
Portfolio Lead: Lead on contract monitoring for a dedicated portfolio of services, supported by the wider Public Health team.
Contractual Documentation: Draw up a range of service agreements using standard forms of contract adapted to specific service needs.
Procurement Compliance & Support: Ensure procurements adhere to Council Standing Orders, Procurement Code of Practice, and legislative requirements. Support the tender process by drafting timetables, coordinating tender panel creation, and organising necessary documentation.
Tender & Award Coordination: Act as the primary point of contact for tender queries, place contract notices, coordinate PQQ and tender evaluations, and maintain accurate records for entry into the Contracts Register.
Project Management Support: Provide professional project management support to facilitate strategic commissioning processes and draft committee reports on tender awards.
Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams, external providers, and partner organisations.

About You

We are looking for a candidate who brings a strong combination of qualifications, practical skills, and public sector commitment:

Knowledge & Qualifications

Formal qualification, preferably to degree level, or equivalent experience.
Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
Knowledge and understanding of local government operations, including financial, legal, and political issues.
Understanding of the challenges involved in delivering quality public health services in a diverse, multi-cultural inner-city setting.

Experience

Experience in commissioning, establishing, and operating contracts and service agreements, ideally within a Public Health, Health, or Social Services context.
Practical experience monitoring contract performance against agreed terms and quality standards.
Experience managing or contributing to projects, as well as planning and monitoring work programmes.
Experience using IT systems to produce reports, analyse data, and support decision-making.
Previous experience in public sector procurement is desirable.

Competencies & Skills

Value-Driven: Dedicated to using the contracting process to deliver high-quality services for Hackney residents while ensuring effective use of public money.
Relationship Building & Negotiation: Ability to establish strong relationships across various agencies and negotiate effectively within contractual frameworks.
Contract Law Knowledge: Sound understanding of contractual principles and basic contract law.
Communication & Confidence: Skilled in communicating in a confident, authoritative, and assertive manner suited to diverse audiences.
Organisation & Deadlines: Ability to plan effectively, work independently, and meet tight targets.
Commitment to Values: A clear commitment to equality of opportunity, challenging discrimination, and upholding the Council's core values.Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy