Commissioning Manager (Grants)
| Posting date: | 11 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 10 June 2026 |
| Location: | Bedford, MK40 1SU |
| Company: | Reed Talent Solutions |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | MaPS01150-362391 |
Summary
Commissioning Manager (Grants)
£68,000 per annum
Bedford
Permanent
Hybrid Working
Ready to make a real difference? Join us at the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) as our Commissioning Manager (Grants). This is your chance to play a meaningful role in helping people across the UK build stronger financial futures and to do it as part of a supportive, energetic team.
Why This Role Matters
Sitting within the commissioning team as part of the debt function, this role focuses on supporting the Grant Programme Procurement Lead to design, implement and manage MaPS’ grant-funded programmes for debt advice. Working closely with commercial, policy and delivery colleagues in a matrix environment, the postholder will ensure that the full grants 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 grant-making 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 Grants Programme Procurement Lead.
You’ll join a team that’s passionate, collaborative, and driven by the belief that financial confidence should be something everyone can access.
Commissioning Manager (Grants)
£68,000 per annum
Bedford
Permanent
Hybrid Working
Ready to make a real difference? Join us at the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) as our Commissioning Manager (Grants). This is your chance to play a meaningful role in helping people across the UK build stronger financial futures and to do it as part of a supportive, energetic team.
Why This Role Matters
Sitting within the commissioning team as part of the debt function, this role focuses on supporting the Grant Programme Procurement Lead to design, implement and manage MaPS’ grant-funded programmes for debt advice. Working closely with commercial, policy and delivery colleagues in a matrix environment, the postholder will ensure that the full grants 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 grant-making 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 Grants Programme Procurement Lead.
You’ll join a team that’s passionate, collaborative, and driven by the belief that financial confidence should be something everyone can access.
What You’ll Be Doing
• 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 and processes, incorporating best practices and feedback from stakeholders.
• Developing and maintaining effective records to support programme governance
• Sector liaison including the 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 be successful in this role, you’ll need:
Essential:
- Understanding of the debt advice sector or similar
- Understanding of the grants lifecycle, grant-making 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.
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 grants assurance, audit processes and assessment 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: 11/05/2026 | Deadline: 25/05/2026
To apply, please submit the following documents:
- Your most up-to-date CV
- A cover letter explaining why you would be a good fit for the role and how you meet the essential and desirable criteria listed on this advert
Step 2: Telephone Interview
Between 11/05/2026 – 27/05/2026
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
Hosted week commencing 08/06/2026
Successful candidates from the telephone interview will be invited to attend an in-person interview in our Bedford office on 11th or 12th June. This stage may include:
- A series of competency-based interview questions
- A task/Presentation
Everything we do aligns 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
What We Offer
- 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
- Pension (2:1 matched contribution up to 10%)
- 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
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: MaPS01150
Close Date: 25/05/2026