At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic commissioning and partnerships in adult social care for Hertfordshire.
- Company: Hertfordshire County Council, dedicated to improving lives in a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to equity and accessibility in care.
- Why this job: Shape the future of adult care services and influence positive change in the community.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in commissioning and strong knowledge of health integration.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 € per year.
Hertfordshire is a vibrant and varied county in the South-East of England, home to nearly 1.2 million residents. Bordering London to the north, it combines dynamic urban centres, historic market towns and attractive rural communities—making it a highly desirable place to live and an inspiring place to build a career.
Hertfordshire County Council is guided by its Corporate Plan, “Hertfordshire – On Your Side,” with a clear ambition for residents to lead healthy, independent and fulfilling lives. Adult Care Services is central to delivering this ambition, working at the heart of communities to support people throughout adulthood and to achieve the best possible outcomes.
We are now seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Director of Commissioning & Partnerships, a pivotal post within Adult Care Services.
As Director of Commissioning & Partnerships, you will lead a major directorate bringing together all adult social care commissioning activity and the Council’s significant strategic health and NHS partnerships. You will set the strategic direction for commissioning across Adult Care Services, oversee all contracted provision across Hertfordshire, shape and sustain provider markets, and provide senior system leadership across the Integrated Care System (ICS). You will be responsible for commissioning decisions that are evidence-based, legally compliant, financially sustainable and closely aligned with Hertfordshire’s priorities—delivering value for money across an annual care purchasing spend of approximately £500m. You will press forward with shaping approaches to ensure equity and accessibility and ensure that the voice of people who draw on care and support is at the centre. This is a highly visible and influential role, operating at the intersection of local government, health partners, elected Members and provider markets.
Key responsibilities
- Strategic commissioning and market management
- Lead and develop all strategic commissioning for Adult Care Services, including older people, learning disability, mental health, homecare, residential and nursing care, community wellbeing and prevention.
- Ensure compliance with Care Act duties relating to market sustainability, sufficiency, and information and advice.
- Lead fee-setting strategies and market engagement, including senior relationships with the Hertfordshire Care Providers Association and housing partners.
- Health and system partnerships
- Provide senior leadership for all NHS and Integrated Care System partnerships.
- Represent the Council on partnership boards, joint commissioning arrangements and regional and national forums.
- Lead strategy and delivery for the Better Care Fund and other joint health and care programmes.
- Commercial and financial leadership
- Oversee multi-million-pound commissioning budgets, ensuring strong governance, financial sustainability and value for money.
- Lead commercial, procurement and contractual strategies across Adult Care Services and lead engagement with strategic budgeting and financial management.
- Provide assurance to Members and Corporate Leadership on spend, risks and outcomes.
- Leadership and transformation
- Lead and line manage Heads of Service across Community Commissioning, Strategy & Health Integration, Community Wellbeing Commissioning and Brokerage.
- Drive commissioning reform and major transformation programmes.
- Provide visible, credible leadership across a complex, multi-agency system.
About you
You will be an experienced and credible senior leader with a strong track record in commissioning, system leadership and partnership working. You will be comfortable operating in politically sensitive environments and influencing at the highest level.
Essential criteria
- Senior-level leadership experience in commissioning, health integration or adult social care.
- Extensive experience of strategic commissioning and market management.
- Proven system leadership across local government, the NHS or similarly complex partnerships.
- Strong knowledge of Care Act commissioning responsibilities and regulatory frameworks.
- Experience of managing large, complex budgets and contractual arrangements.
- Ability to work effectively with elected Members, senior leaders and external stakeholders.
Desirable
- Relevant professional, management or postgraduate qualification.
- Experience of leading large-scale commissioning transformation or system redesign.
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role. This job role is Level 18.
To hear more about this opportunity please contact our in-house recruitment team, Susie.Barrett@hertfordshire.gov.uk or Sheryl.Jeram@hertfordshire.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the role. Interview date: 5 June 2026.
Benefits of working for us
How to apply
As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert/job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.
Additional information
- Disability Confident We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
- Safeguarding This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
- English Fluency The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
Closing date: 25 May 2026.
Director of Commissioning & Partnerships employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Hertfordshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises the well-being of its employees and the community. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees in the Director of Commissioning & Partnerships role will have the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives within Adult Care Services while enjoying a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation. Located in the vibrant county of Hertfordshire, this position not only provides a chance to make a meaningful impact but also allows for a fulfilling work-life balance in a desirable area.
Contact Detail:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Commissioning & Partnerships
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people know you’re on the hunt for a Director of Commissioning & Partnerships role, the better your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Hertfordshire County Council and understand their priorities. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around strategic commissioning and health partnerships.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in complex environments. Highlight your ability to influence and drive change, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity and keen to be part of the Hertfordshire team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Commissioning & Partnerships
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Director of Commissioning & Partnerships. Highlight your experience in strategic commissioning and system leadership, and don’t forget to include any relevant qualifications or training that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Use your application to showcase specific examples of your past achievements. Whether it’s managing large budgets or leading transformation programmes, we want to see how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Covering Paragraph:Take advantage of the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph. This is your chance to give us a snapshot of your skills and experiences that make you the perfect fit for this role. Keep it concise but impactful!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Hertfordshire County Council's Corporate Plan and understand their vision for Adult Care Services. Familiarise yourself with the Care Act duties and how they relate to market sustainability. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your alignment with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of your past leadership experiences, especially in commissioning and partnership working. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced change in politically sensitive environments and how you can bring that expertise to this role.
✨Engage with the Community Focus
Highlight your commitment to ensuring equity and accessibility in care services. Think of ways you've previously centred the voices of service users in your decision-making processes and be prepared to share these insights during the interview.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Since you'll be overseeing significant budgets, brush up on your financial management skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with large-scale budgets and how you've ensured value for money in previous roles. This will show that you're not just a leader but also a strategic thinker.
