Head of Service Development and Contract

Schools’ Choice; England; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Schools’ Choice as the Head of Commissioning and Contracts, a pivotal role aimed at transforming services for individuals with Learning Disabilities and Autism in partnership with Suffolk County Council. This hybrid position offers a dynamic environment to influence social care positively, combining strategic leadership, innovation in service design, and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure impactful outcomes.

Benefits

Flexible, hybrid working environment

Supportive leadership culture

Opportunity to shape social care system

Competitive salary package

Qualifications

• Strong track record in health or social care commissioning.
• Experience in leading transformation projects involving Learning Disability and/or Autism.
• Knowledge of the Three Conversations model.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic commissioning of a new Tier 2 model for services.
• Drive innovation in service design and produce implementation plans.
• Collaborate with operational teams and stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Commissioning and Contract Management

Stakeholder Management

System Navigation

Education

Master's Degree or equivalent professional experience

Job description

Exclusive Opportunity: Head of Commissioning and Contracts - Learning Disability & Autism
Suffolk | Hybrid working available
Temporary for 6 months
Recruiting on behalf of Suffolk County Council

We are proud to be working in partnership with Suffolk County Council to recruit a Head of Commissioning and Contracts - a pivotal leadership role that will drive the transformation of services for people with a Learning Disability and/or Autism.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity for an experienced strategic commissioner to take the lead on designing and implementing a new Tier 2 support offer as part of the council's Three Tier (Three Conversations) model.

Rather than simply recommissioning existing services, this role will involve designing a broader, more impactful offer, assessing its implications across the system, and developing a clear, prioritised workplan that reflects resource and budget realities.

The Role
As Head of Commissioning and Contracts, you will:

• Lead the strategic commissioning of a new Tier 2 model for Learning Disability and/or Autism services
• Drive innovation in service design, aligned with strengths-based, person-centred practice
• Understand and evaluate the impact on existing services across the care system
• Shape and develop the local market, ensuring quality, sustainability, and value for money
• Produce and implement a robust workplan for next-stage delivery
• Collaborate closely with operational teams, suppliers, lived experience representatives, and NHS partners

You will report into senior leadership and manage a team of commissioning and contract managers, taking full ownership of your portfolio area.

The Ideal Candidate
We're looking for a dynamic and strategic leader who can bring:

• A strong track record in commissioning and contract management within health or social care
• Demonstrable experience of leading transformation projects at scale, ideally involving Learning Disability and/or Autism
• A clear understanding of the Three Conversations model and strengths-based commissioning
• Excellent stakeholder management and the ability to navigate complex systems
• Experience producing strategic workplans within budget and resource constraints

A master's degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience is desirable.

Why Join Suffolk County Council?

• Flexible, hybrid working environment
• High-impact, meaningful work
• Supportive leadership and development-focused culture
• Opportunity to shape a forward-thinking social care system
• Competitive salary and benefits package

Apply Now
This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-profile programme that will significantly improve outcomes for people with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism across Suffolk.

If you're a confident and capable strategic commissioner ready for your next challenge, we want to hear from you. call 01473 558914.