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We’re looking for a Head of Commissioning to ensure a strong, stable business-as-usual leadership who is responsible for the strategic planning and execution of service provision during a period of transformation. Its core purpose is to ensure continuity, compliance and effective delivery for residents, providers and elected members. This is not a transformation or redesign role; it is a BAU commissioning leadership post that requires someone who can deliver consistently, keep the system operational, and provide reassurance and stability.
Job Responsibility:
Lead the implementation of the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for providers supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs
Act as the single, trusted point of contact for providers and elected members, ensuring clarity and confidence in commissioning arrangements
Maintain strong provider relationships and ensure providers remain engaged throughout the transformation
Oversee completion and embedding of the new Support in the Community tender
Embed care‑technology commissioning approaches across the service to support a sustainable care‑tech strategy for future councils
Ensure commissioning activity aligns with political, strategic and financial priorities
Maintain practice standards, customer service, quality assurance, performance and contract management across commissioning services
Lead service improvement, transformation and commercial awareness across directorates
Build and lead cross‑functional teams (Procurement, Legal, Finance, Contracts, Business Analysis) through direct and matrix management
Develop and manage markets to meet current and future service needs
Work collaboratively with statutory, voluntary and third‑sector partners, professionals, individuals, carers and families
Able to work and travel across the county with geographically dispersed teams
Lead service planning to ensure high‑quality, value‑for‑money services
Recommend policy and practice improvements in collaboration with stakeholders
Provide professional leadership and foster a culture of performance and accountability
Offer expert advice to managers to support good practice and statutory compliance
Maintain effective budgetary control and ensure legal and regulatory compliance
Lead major programmes and represent the service in internal and external initiatives
Champion transformational change and embed new ways of working
Foster partnership working to promote sustainable service improvements
Be available on‑call if required to maintain key service delivery or respond to serious incidents
Requirements:
Degree or equivalent professional qualification, with management‑level experience in a complex environment
Extensive knowledge of change management, project management and continuous improvement
Strong understanding of commissioning practice, processes and sector‑wide context
Ability to balance policy development with operational delivery
Advanced leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, coach and develop teams
Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, negotiation and influencing skills
Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners
Deep understanding of relevant legislation, practice standards and national service‑delivery context
Evidence of ongoing professional development, including leadership and management training
Proven experience leading successful teams in a commissioning environment
Experience motivating, coaching, mentoring and developing staff
Outcomes‑focused and solution‑oriented, with experience implementing systems that support high‑quality commissioning
Experience managing complex projects within complex governance structures
Ability to construct and use measures and metrics to demonstrate achievements
Strong evaluative judgement and ability to manage risk
Competent in MS Office and database systems, and able to promote effective use of IT
Knowledge of contracting models, market management and provider‑commissioner partnerships