Service Acquisition Officer

Service Acquisition Officer Location: Richmond & Wandsworth (3 days per week onsite)Rate: £26.04 PAYE / £34.03 UMBContract:3 months - with potential extensionDirectorate: Adult Social Care - Strategic Market Management & Service Acquisition About the Role We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Service Acquisition Officer to join the Strategic Market Management and Service Acquisition Team-an essential function supporting Adult Social Care across Richmond and Wandsworth. In this role, you will be responsible for micro-commissioning care packages and placements with a variety of social care and transport providers, ensuring service users receive the right care, at the right time, and at the right cost. You will work collaboratively with social workers, external providers, NHS colleagues, and internal teams to secure high-quality, value-for-money services. Key Responsibilities Micro-commission straightforward care packages and placements using strength-based approaches.Select appropriate providers in line with commissioning and contractual requirements.Prioritise and optimise use of block contracts and existing contracted services.Negotiate provider costs to ensure best value (e.g., obtaining multiple quotes, using dynamic purchasing systems).Commission placements on behalf of the NHS when required.Escalate provider concerns (capacity, reliability, KPI performance) to senior managers.Engage with the social care provider market through both digital systems and traditional methods (phone/email).Maintain strong working relationships with providers to support timely, cost-effective service delivery.