Money and Pensions Service
Commissioning Manager
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Commissioning Manager (National)
£68,000 per annum
Bedford
Permanent
Hybrid Working
Sitting within the commissioning team as part of the debt function, this role focuses on supporting the National Programme Procurement Lead to design, implement and support national commissioning programmes for debt advice. Working closely with commercial, policy and delivery colleagues in a matrix environment, the postholder will ensure that the full commercial lifecycle - from programme design and application processes to grant award, monitoring, performance management and evaluation - reflects MaPS’ strategic priorities and regulatory responsibilities.
The role will champion good practice, strengthen provider capability, and ensure that funding supports high quality, client focused debt advice services. The role may also act as deputy to the National Programme Procurement Lead.
Why This Role Matters
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to gain insights and ensure that commissioned debt advice services are aligned with MaPS' strategic objectives.
- Support and contribute to the entire commissioning process, from identification of needs to the evaluation of service delivery, ensuring compliance with MaPS' policies and regulatory requirements.
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with the commissioning of debt advice services, ensuring that potential issues are addressed promptly and effectively.
- Support the development and continuous improvement of commissioning frameworks, resources and processes, incorporating best practices and feedback from stakeholders.
- Developing and maintaining effective records and collateral to support programme governance
- Sector liaison including the development and facilitation of engagement sessions and workshops for service providers to enhance their understanding of MaPS' commissioning requirements and improve service delivery outcomes.
What You’ll Bring
To excel in this role, you will need to demonstrate:
Essential
- Understanding of the debt advice sector or similar
- Understanding of the funding commissioning lifecycle, relevant commercial standards and the responsibilities of public-sector funders.
- Experience of grants or contract management
- Self-motivated and organised, efficiently managing multiple projects and stakeholders to ensure deadlines are consistently met and objectives achieved.
- Excellent communication skills including facilitation, presentations and in writing
- Negotiation skills and sound judgement to balance conflicting interests and priorities
- Ability to prepare detailed and accurate reports, crucial for documenting progress, analysing data, and informing stakeholders of developments and outcomes.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Desirable
- Extensive experience in debt advice sector, ideally in operational and strategic management and delivery
- Comprehensive knowledge of various funding mechanisms available within the advice sector, identifying and securing appropriate financial resources for clients and programs.
- Familiarity with contracts assurance, audit processes and evaluation approaches
Personal Attributes
- Effective operator within a matrix team
- Proactive
- Sees tasks through to completion
- Pragmatic
- Confident and capable of deputising for service lead
Our Recruitment Process
We keep things simple, fair, and transparent:
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Open: 05/08/2026 | Deadline: 19/08/2026
To apply, please submit the following documents:
- Your most up-to-date CV
- A cover letter (max 500 words). Please structure your cover letter as below:
- Essential Criteria & Desirable Criteria Using the essential and desirable criteria section of the job advert provide concise examples that demonstrate your judgement, level of responsibility and impact.
Step 2: Telephone Interview
Between 05/08/2026 – 21/08/2026 If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to a telephone interview with one of our recruiters. This is an opportunity to:
- Discuss your experience in more detail
- Learn more about the role and our organisation
- Ask any questions you may have
Step 3: Final Stage Interview
Hosted on 31/08/2026
Successful candidates from the telephone interview will be invited to attend an in person interview at the Bedford Office
This stage will consist of:
- A task of presentation that you will need to prepare before the interview
- A structured interview with competency based questions
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
We follow fair, open, and merit‑based recruitment in line with the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles.
About Us
MaPS is based in bright, modern offices in Bedford, and we’re here to help people across the UK feel more confident and informed about their money.
Our values guide how we work together:
- Caring – for colleagues and the communities we support
- Connecting – building supportive, positive relationships
- Transforming – creating impact that truly matters
We’re proud to foster an inclusive, welcoming culture. Our colleague networks include LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, women’s health, men’s health and ethnicity groups — and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
What We Offer
- 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
- Pension contributions matched 2 to 1 (employer contribution up to 10% of your salary)
- Season ticket loan
- Cycle to work scheme (up to £3,000)
- Subsidised eye tests & flu jabs
- Life assurance
- EAP Assist & Life
- Enhanced family and sick pay
- 2 paid volunteering days
- Recognition scheme
- Retail discounts portal
- Flexible Working We believe work should fit around life. This Bedford‑based role offers genuine flexibility so you can balance work, family, and personal commitments. We come together for purposeful team collaboration to stay connected and drive great results.
Career Development
We love supporting internal growth and progression, while continuing to follow fair and open Civil Service recruitment practices.
Important Information About Applying
Please apply only via official MaPS links - we can’t accept applications via email or unauthorised sites. MaPS is unable to offer visa sponsorship.
Reserve List: If you're successful at interview, we may place you on a reserve list for up to 6 months. If a similar role becomes available, you may be offered it without the need for another assessment.
If you believe your application hasn’t followed the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles, you can contact resourcing@maps.org.uk. If unresolved, you may then contact the Civil Service Commission.
Job Reference: MaPS01215
Close Date: 19/08/2026
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location