Head of Strategic Commissioning / Adult Social Care

AWD Online; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in social care procurement is seeking a Head of Strategic Commissioning to lead the transformation of adult social care services. You will develop innovative commissioning strategies, oversee planning aligned with priorities, and strengthen partnerships to deliver high-quality services. The ideal candidate should possess significant experience, a degree-level education, and the ability to lead teams effectively. This is a full-time, hybrid role based in the UK.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Local government pension scheme

Free onsite gym

Salary sacrifice schemes

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing strategic services including people, budgets, and performance.
• Deep understanding of the Care Act and integrated care systems.
• Ability to inspire and lead high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Deliver innovative commissioning strategies for better adult outcomes.
• Oversee planning aligned with national and local priorities.
• Build relationships with health, voluntary, and community partners.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Collaboration

Budget management

Understanding of Care Act

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent professional qualifications

Job description

Head of Strategic Commissioning

Adult Social Care

An exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to shape the future of adult social care commissioning and deliver outstanding services that improve lives and outcomes across the community.

If youve also worked in the following roles, wed also like to hear from you : Strategic Commissioning Manager, Head of Adult Social Care, Health and Social Care Lead, Director of Commissioning, Social Care Commissioner.

LOCATION: Hybrid role

working part from the office in Wokingham and part from home

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent

WORKING HOURS: 37 hours per week

JOB OVERVIEW

We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Head of Strategic Commissioning who will lead transformation within Adult Social Care and Health to deliver high-quality, person-centred services for local residents.

As a Head of Strategic Commissioning you will design and implement innovative commissioning strategies, strengthen provider markets and ensure value for money, sustainability, and quality across adult care services.

The Head of Strategic Commissioning will work collaboratively with health, voluntary, and community partners to co-produce services, improve integration, and promote equality, inclusion, and continuous improvement across the organisation.

Following a comprehensive inspection in 2025, the organisations adult social care services were rated Good overall, with Outstanding scores in Partnerships & Communities and Learning, Improvement & Innovation. They achieved one of the highest scores nationally (81%)a powerful endorsement of their commitment to quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

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DUTIES

Your duties as the Head of Strategic Commissioning include :

Lead Transformation Programmes :

Deliver innovative commissioning strategies that achieve better outcomes for adults and carers

Develop Strategic Plans :

Oversee planning, commissioning, and improvement activities aligned with national and local priorities

Strengthen Partnerships :

Build strong relationships with health, voluntary, and community partners to develop integrated care solutions

Ensure Best Value :

Commission high-quality, affordable care and support services that offer value for money

Manage Teams Effectively :

Lead and motivate a team of commissioners to achieve organisational goals and service excellence

Use Data and Insight :

Apply evidence-based decision making to shape sustainable markets and inform policy direction

Promote Inclusion :

Champion equality, diversity, and co-production in all commissioning activity

Budget Oversight :

Ensure commissioning functions achieve a balanced budget while delivering effective services

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

The organisation is looking for a strategic thinker and experienced leader who can :

Translate national policy into local action with measurable impact

Inspire and lead high-performing teams, delivering innovation and excellence in social care commissioning

Demonstrate a deep understanding of the Care Act, commissioning cycles, and integrated care systems

Build trust and credibility with a wide range of stakeholders

Bring creativity, resilience, and a passion for improving lives

Has significant experience of successfully managing a strategic service, including people, budgets and performance

Understanding of the political landscape, legislative frameworks, and regional and national drivers surrounding the areas covered within the portfolio

Educated to degree-level or equivalent relevant professional qualifications or expertise

BENEFITS

A generous annual leave entitlement of 31 days (rising to 36 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays

An excellent local government pension scheme

Use of a free onsite gym

Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes

A range of local & lifestyle discounts

An employee assistance programme including 24 / 7 wellbeing helpline

And much more!

APPLY TODAY

By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our Client for this purpose.

JOB REF : AWDO-P14059

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