Head of Commissioning, Contracts & Business Assurance

As the Head of Commissioning and Business Assurance, you will be a vital member of the Director of Operations Senior Management Team. In this role, you will collaborate with colleagues across departments and engage with internal and external partners to deliver high-performing, efficient, and community-focused services aligned with the Council’s vision, priorities, and strategic objectives.

You will spearhead effective service commissioning within the Operations Directorate, ensuring the implementation of best practices that deliver optimal services to the community. This includes the strategic management and administration of contracts, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and fostering strong, productive relationships with service providers.

Your next role

Your role will involve acting as a key liaison with internal departments, external partners, and regulatory bodies, ensuring effective communication and collaboration. You will oversee a budget of approximately £2 million, managing the procurement of contracts for various services to ensure cost efficiency and value for money. Developing and implementing robust performance monitoring frameworks, you will ensure services meet quality standards and deliver desired outcomes.

On a day-to-day basis, you will be 'hands-on,' leading a team of professionals responsible for all elements of the directorate's commissioning and business assurance functions. You will drive business assurance and performance initiatives, ensuring robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are in place to measure and enhance service delivery.

This is a role that demands a proactive and strategic approach to leadership and management, as well as a commitment to delivering high-quality services that meet the needs of the community. If you are passionate about making a tangible impact and thrive in dynamic environments, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead and innovate within the Council’s Operations Directorate

You must be fluent in the English language (as a requirement of Part 7 of the Immigration Act “for the effective performance of a customer-facing role”).

Your next package

Please see our Rewards and Benefits offer for more details.

As an employee, you will receive a diverse and exciting environment in which to work, encouraging creativity and innovation whilst recognising the need to support ongoing personal development and a flexible work life balance.

For Swindon to thrive in the future, we need to lay the foundations now. It’s why our regeneration and transformation programmes are already underway. So, you’ll be joining us at an exciting time on our journey. We’ll look to you to share your knowledge, influence decisions and drive real, positive change. With your contributions, we’ll achieve our vision of a prosperous, re-vitalised Swindon together. And you’ll be proud to say it was made better with you.

Please see our Vision and Values page for more details.

Please see our new Swindon Plan

Your next steps

Read the role profile and to apply please send your CV and cover letter to resourcing@swindon.gov.uk quoting the ref number 231 and outlining your skills and experience.

Potential applicants are sometimes put off if they don’t meet 100% of the requirements. We think individual experience, skills and passion make all the difference, so if you meet the majority of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you.

For further information about the role please contact Steve Iles MBE, Interim Director of Operations, email siles3@swindon.gov.uk 

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from a diverse range of communities, and in particular disabled people and people from ethnic minorities. Read our statement of commitment to equality & inclusion