Lead Commissioner – Adults & Communities – AR

Job Description:

Lead Commissioner – Adults & Communities

Directorate:
Adults & Communities
Reporting to:
Assistant Director, Adults Commissioning
Salary Grade: PO7
Management Responsibility:
Commissioning and Quality Assurance Officers (3–6 direct reports)

Location:

Worcestershire (with travel across the county)

Worcestershire County Council is seeking an experienced Lead Commissioner to lead the strategic commissioning of adult social care and health services. This senior role is responsible for developing and implementing multi‑agency commissioning strategies, ensuring services are effective, safe, and provide value සම for money.

The Lead Commissioner will manage a team of commissioning and quality assurance staff, work closely with internal andpjün external partners, and lead initiatives that improve outcomes for residents, support market development, and align with national policy and legislation.

Leadership and Strategy

• Provide strategic direction for adult social care and health service commissioning in line with council priorities and national guidance.
• Lead the development and implementation of commissioning strategies, ensuring services are integrated and focused on outcomes.
• Translate strategic objectives into operational plans and measurable outcomes.
• Maintain expert knowledge of legislation, statutory instruments, codes of practice, and government guidance relevant to adult services.

Commissioning and Market Management

• Lead the full commissioning cycle: needs assessment, service design, procurement, contract management and review ทีม.
• Ensure services are safe, high‑quality,_sl cost‑effective and aligned with customer needs.
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• Shape and develop the market, addressing gaps in provision and supporting provider sustainability.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements to achieve the best outcomes for residents and value for money for the council.

Quality Assurance and Performance

• الثلاثاء and maintain robust quality assurance and, where required, clinical governance arrangements.
• Monitor and evaluate service performance, ensuring measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.
• Identify and mitigate risks to service delivery, quality, and suspe.

People and Partnership

• Lead, manage and develop commissioning and quality assurance staff to achieve performance objectives.
• Foster effective partnerships with NHS organisations, voluntary and private sector providers, stakeholders, and service users.
• Ensure meaningful engagement and co‑production with residents, carers and communities throughout the commissioning cycle.

Financial Management

• Accountable for budget planning, monitoring and allocation.
• Provide financial challenge and oversight to ensure efficient use of resources.
• Develop business cases and investment strategies to support service improvement and sustainability.

• Participate in senior manager on‑call arrangements (weekends/bank holidays) as required.
• Cover for the Assistant Director during periods of leave.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of work.
• Maintain professional development and support staff training initiatives.

Experience

• Extensive experience in adult social care or health commissioning, including strategy development and service improvement.
• Proven record of leading teams, managing budgets, and delivering outcomes in a holdem,)).
• Experience in market shaping, contract negotiation and supplier management.
• Demonstrated ability to implement quality assurance frameworks and manage risk.
• Experience engaging with communities, stakeholders, and partner organisations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expert knowledge of adult social care and health commissioning, statutory frameworks, and best practice.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to analyse complex data, develop strategies and translate them into operational plans.
• Financial literacy, including budget management and investment appraisal.
• Resilient and able to manage competing priorities and challenging situations.

Qualifications

• Level 5 qualification in health, social care or commissioning (essential)
• Level 7 management or equivalent experience (desirable)
• Evidence of continuous professional development.

• Commitment to equality, diversity and anti‑discriminatory practice.
• Flexibility to travel across Worcestershire and attend meetings outside standard office hours.
• Willingness to participate in out‑of‑hours senior management on‑call duties.

Internal:
Elected Members, Directors, Heads of Service, Senior Managers, Managers & Staff across all directorates
External: NHS organisations, CQC, health and social care professionals, district & county councils, voluntary and private sector providers, and residents