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3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

•A temporary opportunity has arisen for an experienced and qualified Children’s Placements Manager to lead the commissioning, procurement, and oversight of accommodation services for children and young people in care.

•The role involves managing the full placements process — from commissioning to allocation and contract monitoring — with a focus on quality, value for money, and meeting the individual needs of looked-after children.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

•Lead the strategic and operational delivery of placements for children in care, including foster care, residential care, and supported accommodation.

•Oversee the full commissioning cycle, from needs analysis and procurement to monitoring and review.

•Ensure placement decisions align with statutory responsibilities and reflect the best interests and specific needs of children and young people.

•Manage provider relationships and contracts, ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory frameworks such as the Children Act 1989 and Care Standards.

•Work collaboratively with social workers, providers, finance officers, and external agencies to maintain placement sufficiency and quality.

•Monitor and manage budgets, performance indicators, and service outcomes to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.

•Lead or contribute to multi-agency planning and sufficiency strategy development.

•Promote evidence-based decision-making and maintain accurate, timely records to support placement activity and reporting.

Skills/Experience:

•Substantial experience working in a commissioning, placements, or related role within children’s services, preferably in a local authority or similar setting.

•Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory frameworks (e.g. Children Act 1989, Care Standards, fostering regulations).

•Demonstrable experience in contract management, provider performance monitoring, and working with external agencies.

•Proven ability to manage budgets, deliver to targets, and apply data and analytics to support strategic decision-making.

•Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to influence a wide range of stakeholders.

•Effective leadership skills, with the ability to drive service improvements and manage competing priorities.

•Commitment to child-centred, outcomes-focused practice.

Additional Information:

•The closing date: 26/06/2025.

•Social Work England registration (social work qualification required).

•Enhanced DBS clearance.

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