Commissioning Assistant

Salary: Grade 12, ranging from £29,542 to £33,673 per annum.

Contract: Fixed Term until 31/03/2029

Hours:  37 Hours per week.

Closing date: 18th November 2026

About the Role

Play a key role in shaping effective services for children and families across Somerset.

As a Commissiong Assistant you’ll gather and analyse data, insight and financial information to support informed commissioning decisions, service design and meaningful engagement.

Working with service users, providers and partners, you’ll support procurement, contract management and performance monitoring, helping to improve outcomes, deliver high-quality services and ensure value for money.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Gather and make sense of data, feedback and financial information to help shape effective services.
• Work with service users, colleagues, providers and partners, making sure different voices help inform decisions.
• Support Commissioning Officers with research, meetings, tenders and service changes, helping new arrangements run smoothly.
• Help manage contracts and provider relationships, monitoring quality, value for money and agreed outcomes.
• Track performance and KPIs, presenting information clearly and highlighting any areas that need attention.
• Build your commissioning knowledge and skills while contributing to work across Children’s Services.
• Help create an inclusive and supportive environment, promoting equality, wellbeing and our organisational values.

What You'll Bring

• Understanding of commissioning principles, service improvement and value for money.
• Ability to analyse and present qualitative, quantitative and financial data.
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion in service delivery.
• Experience of using spreadsheets, datasets and performance information.
• Experience of supporting partnership working and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience of outcomes monitoring and performance reporting.
• GCSEs or equivalent in English and Maths, with good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Strong IT, analytical, communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.

• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.

• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council:
https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

• 28 days’ annual leave, in addition to bank holidays.
• This role offers hybrid working, allowing you to work from home and from our offices at County Hall, Taunton.
• Interviews have been scheduled across 30th November and 1st December 2026.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Laura Annandale, Head of Service – Early Help Commissioning at laura.annandale@somerset.gov.uk

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here: AU0692 Contracts Officer Commissioning Assistant.pdf

Ref: SQG/1608