Head of Commissioning, Contracts & Business Assurance

at  Swindon Borough Council

At Swindon Borough Council, we want our town to be the best it can be. Our ambitious vision in the new Swindon Plan is supported by realistic transformation programmes, with the people of Swindon at their heart. Because that’s who we’re doing it for – the communities and businesses that make our town great. As part of the Council, you’ll support a friendly local authority making decisions with real impact. It’s all for better public services. Better processes. And a better quality of life, for everyone. Join us, and Swindon will be better with you.
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 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”).