Strategic Commissioning Manager (Older People Team)

Buckinghamshire Council; Aylesbury; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Aylesbury is looking for a strategic leader to join their Older People Team as a Strategic Commissioning Manager. This pivotal role involves overseeing a range of services to improve outcomes for elderly citizens. Responsibilities include managing contracts, driving change with integrated care, and collaborating with various departments to enhance service quality. The ideal candidate will possess a degree-level education, substantial senior experience, and a strong strategic mindset. This position offers opportunities for career development and making a significant impact on community well-being.

Benefits

Health and well-being initiatives

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted gym memberships

Generous Pension Scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Substantial relevant experience in a senior role in service areas or related fields.
• Expert knowledge of commissioning cycle and relevant legislation.
• A driving license is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full commissioning cycle across designated portfolios.
• Drive transformational change with the Integrated Care Board (ICB).
• Ensure services meet statutory requirements and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic awareness

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder influence

Communication

Analytical skills

Commitment to outcomes

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent

Job description

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Older People Team)

Location: Aylesbury

Buckinghamshire Council is looking for a dynamic Strategic Commissioning Manager to join the Strategic Commissioning for Older People Team within our Adults and Health Directorate. This team plays a crucial role in shaping and delivering high-quality, person-centred care and support to older adults across Buckinghamshire. Our work is underpinned by the values of dignity, independence, and community wellbeing.

The Team has a permanent Strategic Commissioning Manager opportunity available within the Older People Residential and Nursing portfolio area. This team focuses on the strategic development of the residential, nursing and extra care market, while providing contract management oversight for three large block contract providers. The Team works closely with the Brokerage and Quality Assurance teams to ensure effective management of block provision and futureproofing of these contracts.

Our Commissioning and Procurement Hub brings together strategic and operational commissioners, alongside specialists in Quality Assurance, Placements, and Procurement. By combining expertise, experience and lessons learned, we deliver the most effective approach to every stage of the commissioning cycle, working collaboratively with other Council teams to maximise quality and value for money for our residents.

This Hub’s design offers a unique career development pathway across a range of strategic commissioning and procurement roles. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to progress their careers, now or in the future.

About us

This role is pivotal in developing high-quality, outcome-focused services that deliver value for money. Over the next three years, this role will lead on key commissioning and procurement priorities. The role covers a range of commissioned services and responsibilities, focusing on:

Over 65s Residential and Nursing Care

• Strategic development of the older people’s residential and nursing care market.
• Contract and relationship management responsibility and oversight of block residential and nursing contracts (shared responsibility with a second Commissioning Manager).
• Contract and relationship management responsibility and oversight of block extra care contracts (shared responsibility with a second Commissioning Manager).
• Strategic development of extra care provision working alongside the Older People and Market Development Team.

Respite Provision

• Strategic development of older people’s overnight respite provision.

About the role

As a Strategic Commissioning Manager, you will:

• Lead the full commissioning cycle across designated portfolios.
• Lead on contract management oversight
• Drive transformational change in partnership with the Integrated Care Board (ICB).
• Overseeli>
• Ensure services meet statutory requirements, safeguarding standards, and reflect best practice.
• Represent the Council in external meetings and deputise for the Strategic Commissioning Lead when required
• Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and resident engagement in service design.
• Translate health and social care priorities into integrated service delivery.

Please note, there is no line management responsibility within these roles, but the post holder will provide indirect support to Commissioning Officers and Commissioning Support Officers.

Any-Desk:
As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

About you

You will be a confident and strategic leader with:

• Substantial relevant experience in a senior role in this service areas or related professional field.
• Expert knowledge of the commissioning cycle and relevant legislation.
• Strong strategic awareness and commercial acumen.
• Proven ability to lead multi-agency partnerships and influence stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• A commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable individuals.
• A degree-level education (or equivalent) and relevant professional qualifications.
• A driving license is essential.

Please refer to the job summary attached for full details about the role.

Ready to shape the future of care for older adults in Buckinghamshire? Apply today and join a team committed to making a difference.

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

Our values

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.