Commissioning Strategic Lead - Adult Services

Our client based in Cambridgeshire is seeking an experienced Commissioning Strategic Lead to provide strategic leadership across a significant Adult Social Care commissioning portfolio. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly accomplished commissioning professional to lead the delivery of several large-scale and complex strategic programmes whilst supporting the ongoing transformation, sustainability, and development of Adult Social Care services.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in maintaining momentum across a broad range of commissioning priorities, including homecare, supported living, residential services, day opportunities, community equipment services, care homes, and self-directed support. Working within a fast-paced and evolving environment, you will provide strong leadership to commissioning teams, oversee major procurement and recommissioning activity, and contribute to strategic planning and organisational development as a key member of the Adult Social Care Commissioning Management Team.

You will work closely with senior leaders, health partners, providers, stakeholders, and commissioning colleagues to ensure services deliver high-quality outcomes, support market sustainability, and meet the changing needs of local communities.

What will your responsibilities be?

• Providing strategic leadership across a complex Adult Social Care commissioning portfolio, ensuring the successful delivery of key commissioning priorities and transformation programmes.
• Leading the procurement and implementation of major commissioning programmes, including homecare, supported living, residential care, day opportunities, and community equipment services.
• Managing a large commissioning team, including Commissioning Managers and Commissioners, providing leadership, support, supervision, and professional development.
• Driving service improvement, market sustainability, innovation, and positive outcomes for adults, carers, and communities.
• Leading complex commissioning and procurement projects from planning and design through to implementation and evaluation.
• Developing and maintaining effective relationships with providers, health partners, local stakeholders, and community organisations.
• Supporting co-production approaches and ensuring the voices of people who use services and carers are considered throughout commissioning activities.
• Working closely with Contracts, Brokerage, Market Development, and operational teams to deliver integrated commissioning solutions.
• Providing strategic advice and support to senior leaders and contributing to service planning, organisational development, and transformation initiatives.
• Deputising for the Head of Service where required and representing Adult Social Care Commissioning at senior-level meetings and forums.
• Managing programme risks, dependencies, resources, performance measures, and governance arrangements across a range of complex projects.
• Ensuring commissioning activities deliver value for money, improve outcomes, and contribute to sustainable service delivery.
• Monitoring market performance and identifying opportunities to develop innovative, responsive, and high-quality care and support services.
• Leading teams through change and supporting the implementation of new ways of working within a matrix and project-based environment.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Relevant qualification in Commissioning, Project Management, Public Sector Leadership, Health & Social Care, Business Management, or a related field.
• Significant experience leading Adult Social Care commissioning functions within a local authority, health, or public sector environment.
• Proven track record of delivering large-scale commissioning, procurement, transformation, and service redesign programmes.
• Experience leading and managing teams through organisational change and service transformation.
• Strong knowledge of Adult Social Care commissioning, market shaping, procurement processes, and service development.
• Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships across health, social care, provider markets, and partner organisations.
• Excellent programme and project management skills, including governance, risk management, financial oversight, and benefits realisation.
• Experience supporting market sustainability, provider engagement, and the development of innovative care and support services.
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, analytical, and influencing skills.
• Ability to work strategically whilst maintaining oversight of operational delivery within a fast-paced environment.

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