17481 - Commissioning Manager - Legal Aid Agency

This vacancy is only available to existing Civil Servant employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs). Please review the "Eligibility" section before you apply.

General Information

Salary The national salary range is £42,914 - £46,182 London salary range is £49,325- £53,081 Your salary will be dependent on your base location Working Pattern Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working Vacancy Approach Cross Government Location Birmingham, Brighton and Hove, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Jarrow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Nottingham Region East Midlands, East of England, Greater Manchester, London, North East, North West, South East, South West, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber Closing Date 28-May-2026 Post Type Permanent Civil Service Grade SEO Number of jobs available 1 Reserve List 12 Months Job ID 17481

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Job Title & Grade: SEO Commissioning Manager

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary range (depending on location):

National - £42,914-£46,182

London - £49,325-£53,081 

Please note that unless you are currently employed by the Civil Service and are earning more than the minimum above, if successful you will be offered the minimum for the grade depending on your location. 

Location: National - Any LAA office

Please note that whilst this role is open to all Civil Servants, you can only apply for London, Cambridge and Brighton offices if you are a current LAA staff member based in those offices. This is due to and in line with the LAA's Location Strategy and the Cabinet Office's Places for Growth Strategy. 

Minimum Working Pattern: 

The post is supported by the MOJ flexible working policy and includes colleagues who work flexibly, remotely (as part of hybrid working), part time or as part of a job share etc.

If you are applying for a part time role, please note that in order to meet business demands we need cover for a minimum of 32 hours and to cover 4 days of the week 

To meet legal requirements, if you are between the ages 16-18 and you are a successful candidate, you will be required to complete an apprenticeship after your initial on the job training.

The Legal Aid Agency

We are an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). We are responsible for operationally administering the legal aid fund to provide criminal and civil legal aid advice to people in England and Wales.

Our people are at the heart of achieving excellence. Employing around 1,200 colleagues across England and Wales, we feel proud to have some of the best People Survey results in the Civil Service.

Commissioning and Contract Management

The Directorate is responsible for the design, procurement, delivery and management of legal aid contracts on behalf of the Lord Chancellor. Within this, the Commissioning Team leads procurement activity, develops tender processes, implements new contracts, and monitors service availability and capacity across the provider market.

Commissioning

The Commissioning team work closely with operational and policy teams across the LAA and MoJ to inform future contracts and services. We develop and undertake procurement activity, including large, complex procurement processes; and ensure we are compliant with current public sector procurement legislation. Following implementation of the contracts, Commissioning monitor the availability and capacity of legal aid services and undertake further activity to increase or supplement supply as and when necessary.

The team works closely with operational and policy teams across the Agency and Ministry of Justice to develop future contracts and services. It is responsible for the effective procurement of legal advice services in line with public sector procurement legislation. Contracts let by the team have an annual value of £1.4bn. The team leads procurement activity including large, complex procurement processes which lead to the award of over 1,000 contracts as well as smaller commercial contracts for contact centres and other support services. Following implementation of the contracts, the team monitors the availability and capacity of legal aid services and undertakes further procurement exercises to increase supplement supply as and when necessary.

Team members are based in several locations including our head office in London. We offer flexible working options including from home or other suitable environments additional to the office. The postholder may be based in any Legal Aid Agency office though travel to other sites is required.

Job Summary

As a Commissioning SEO, you will play a key role in delivering commissioning and procurement activity that supports a sustainable and resilient legal aid market. You will help plan and run tenders across the commissioning cycle, applying project management tools and techniques to support successful outcomes for customers, providers and the wider justice system.

You will work within a supportive and experienced commissioning team, contributing to activity that builds on strong foundations of collaboration with internal colleagues and external stakeholders. The role offers the opportunity to be directly involved in market engagement, helping the Agency understand provider capacity, risks and opportunities, and supporting approaches that sustain access to legal aid services over the longer term.

You will be encouraged to build your commercial capability and understanding of public procurement in practice, supported by on‑the‑job learning and professional development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support commissioning activity that strengthens the sustainability and resilience of the legal aid market, contributing to approaches that maintain access to services over the short and longer term.
• Play an active role in market engagement, working with providers and representative bodies to build understanding of capacity, risks and opportunities, and feeding insight into commissioning and procurement activity.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, collaborating to align policy, operational and commercial objectives.
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of commissioning and procurement activity, supporting elements of tender exercises and ensuring activity aligns with agreed priorities, timetables and governance.
• Develop and apply knowledge of procurement and commissioning policy, practice and legislation, using this to support robust, proportionate and well‑managed activity.
• Support effective planning, scheduling and tracking of commissioning work, ensuring systems and information enable good decision‑making.
• Contribute insight and information to support workforce and resource planning within the team.
• Undertake line management or supervisory responsibilities where required, supporting delivery, learning and development. 

Essential Knowledge, Experience and skills

• Proven ability to analyse complex market and operational issues, drawing on evidence and stakeholder insight to develop practical, workable solutions that support access and sustainability.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with excellent attention to detail, enabling you to interpret market, performance or delivery information accurately and use it to inform commissioning activity.
• Clear and confident written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain issues, share insight and present options effectively to internal colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Effective influencing and engagement skills, with experience of working collaboratively across teams and with external partners to build shared understanding and support collective outcomes.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high‑quality outputs at pace in a stakeholder‑rich and changing environment.

Desirable Knowledge, Experience and skills

• An up‑to‑date understanding of the Legal Aid Agency’s duties under procurement regulations, and how these are applied proportionately in commissioning and tender activity to support effective market outcomes.
• Experience of supporting or running tender processes and using eTendering systems, with an appreciation of how procurement tools and processes impact providers and wider stakeholder engagement.
• Project management experience, with the ability to coordinate activity across stakeholders, manage interdependencies and support delivery through the commissioning cycle.
• Wider business or commercial contract management experience, bringing insight into supplier relationships, value for money and market sustainability.
• Experience of implementing or supporting change, including working with stakeholders to communicate change, understand impacts and embed new ways of working.
• Holds, is working towards, or is willing to work towards a relevant professional accreditation with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).

Person Specification

• Demonstrates strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, quality and confidence when working with complex information, stakeholders and commissioning activity.
• Is resilient and adaptable, able to respond constructively to multiple and sometimes competing challenges while maintaining momentum and focus.
• Keeps sight of the end goal, understanding how individual tasks and decisions contribute to wider commissioning outcomes, market sustainability and access to justice.
• Thrives in a changing environment, responding positively to evolving priorities, stakeholder needs and policy or market developments.
• Is proactive in seeking better ways of working, showing curiosity, initiative and a willingness to contribute ideas that improve collaboration, market engagement and commissioning practice.

Assessment approach

Application Process

To apply for the position available, you are asked to submit a CV and a Statement of Suitability for the role. We ask that you link your Statement of Suitability to the key responsibilities and essential criteria listed above and that it does not exceed 1000 words.

Please note that we only require a CV and Statement of Suitability for your application. The wording on this advert may suggest that an Experience question is also required, however this is not necessary.

Interview / assessment Process

If you are successful through the application stage, you will be invited to an interview / assessment centre in person or via Microsoft Teams where you will be assessed against the following:

• Strengths relevant to the role
• The following Behaviours:
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a quality service

Your Experience of implementing, promoting, or understanding diversity and inclusion policy - Diversity is the presence of difference, this can include one or more of the protected characteristics (Gender, Age, Race, Disability etc.) or it can be about working patterns, whether we like to jump into a task or reflect on it before acting. Inclusion is how we welcome, value, and celebrate diversity, giving everyone a voice, tapping into ideas, and enabling everyone to be themselves at work and achieve their potential.

For this grade/ role we would expect the candidate to demonstrate understanding of the terms Diversity and Inclusion and be able to explain why they are important in a work environment. We would also expect examples of action they have taken to embrace diversity (e.g., increasing understanding for self or others) or improve inclusion at a team or wider group level.

Shortlisting is planned for week commencing Monday 1st June 2026

Interviews are planned for week commencing Monday 15th June 2026

If you would like more information on this opportunity, please contact –Katrina Gillies at Katrina.gillies@justice.gov.uk

Our LAA commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain, and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

As a Disability Confident organisation, we will offer a guaranteed interview to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for this role. Under the Equality Act 2010 a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months.

If you are responding to a role within the Legal Aid Agency and would like to be considered under the guaranteed interview, please indicate this in your application and let us know of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the sift or later selection processes.

The LAA’s goal is to build an organisation that is open and inclusive and truly values and celebrates the diversity of its workforce. One that reflects and understands the needs of the diverse society we serve. This is regardless of social background, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, beliefs, disabilities or long-term illness or caring responsibilities.

Reasonable Adjustments

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long-term condition (for example dyslexia, anxiety, autism, a mobility condition or hearing loss) and need us to make any reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process, please let us know by adding the information to the applications system or emailing LAARecruitment@justice.gov.uk after you have applied so that we can discuss options with you.

Complaints procedure

If you have any complaints about this recruitment activity, please share your concerns by emailing LAARecruitment@justice.gov.uk initially. We aim to respond to any complaint within 10 working days.

Additional Information

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.

Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles: All successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale.  This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) – See Map. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity). 

For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location’s respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.

All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.

Flexible working hours 

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.

Benefits 

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension 

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Training 

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Networks 

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Eligibility

Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.

Vacancies advertised “cross-government” are only open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.

Support

• A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
• Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
• For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

• To Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk);
• To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
• To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

Civil Service Nationality Rules

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

Reserve list

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.

Contact Information

MoJ:

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 17481

HMPPS

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 17481

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Application form stage assessments

Experience We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods CV or Work History, Experience Questions, Statement of Suitability Experience Questions Application Form Question Word Limit 250 Evidence of Experience CV or Work History, Experience Questions, Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates Interviews are planned for week commencing Monday 15th June 2026 Behaviours Delivering at Pace Making Effective Decisions Managing a Quality Service Communicating and Influencing Experience Your Experience for this role will be assessed at interview. To learn more about Experience and how they are assessed please click here. We will assess your experience for this role via the following methodsExperience Questions Strengths Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed please click here. Level of security checks required Baseline Personnal Security Standard (BPSS)

Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.  Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.