Head of Service - Commissioning

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Blackburn is seeking an experienced Head of Service - Commissioning to lead adult social care initiatives. The successful candidate will spearhead strategic commissioning efforts, directly manage a team, and contribute to the transformation of services, ensuring collaboration with community partners. Applicants should have a strong background in adult social care commissioning, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for improving services for residents. The role is vital to delivering ambitious commissioning strategies and enhancing local services.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in adult social care commissioning.
• Experience in managing team structures and strategic planning.
• Commitment to co-production and working with providers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of strategic and tactical commissioning.
• Manage the performance and business transformation team.
• Ensure proficient commissioning across different environments.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Excellent written communication

Presentation skills

Job description

Head of Service - Commissioning

Department: Adults & Heath

Interview date: 11th December 2025

Due to the promotion of our existing Head of Service we have an exciting opportunity to become part of a service transforming the way it operates. Are you an experienced senior commissioner in adult social care commissioning? If so come and develop your commissioning career with BwD and help us deliver our ambitions!

Here at BwD we are constantly looking for ways to improve our services and develop a thriving marketplace. We have an ambitious Adult Social Care commissioning strategy, and we are looking for someone who can inspire and lead our team in the delivery and implementation of our strategic plans.

We are looking for an experienced, collaborative and passionate Head of Commissioning to deliver upon our strategic and tactical commissioning ambitions. We are at an exciting stage of our development as we work in close partnership with our ICB colleagues to reconfigure and develop the service around a new commissioning model. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of ensuring proficient commissioning both across the Local Authority and NHS operating environments.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Commissioning and Provider Services, you will lead and directly manage the team structure to oversee the delivery of our strategic plans. Our residents are at the heart of our commissioning plans, and a commitment to co-producing approaches with providers and people who draw down on services is essential. The successful candidate will be a full member of the directorate senior leadership team and will also lead our performance and business transformation team which operates across the directorate. Therefore, as well as leading the transformation of commissioned services, the post holder will also influence the priorities and work programme across the directorate.

The post holder will take our development plans to the next stage and a such needs to be a resilient, effective leader with excellent written and presentation skills, confident working with partners and with those with lived experience.

For enquiries about this role please contact Elizabeth Fleming (Assistant Director of Commissioning and Provider Services) at [e-mail].

To find out more and how to apply:

https://blackburn.gov.uk/jobs-and-recruitment/senior-leadership-opportunities

Closing date: 24th November 2025