Principal Strategic Lead (NEL Care Markets) in London

This high-profile, unique opportunity is for a Principal Advisor and Facilitative Lead who will drive the ambitious transformation of adult social care across seven North East London (NEL) councils. You will be at the heart of regional reform, responsible for coordinating a strategic work plan to bring local authorities together, enhance care markets, and deliver truly needs-led, cost-effective services for citizens.

The role demands outstanding strategic leadership to lead the overarching vision for the NEL Care Market, manage long-term structural risks, and develop the Regional Market Sustainability Plan. This includes driving innovation, from designing outcomes-based commissioning vehicles to leading the Digital & Data Strategy using predictive analytics to predict and prevent large-scale care provider failure.

We are seeking an experienced leader of complex change, an excellent communicator, problem solver, and influencer who can harness commissioning skills across NEL, navigate complex political and stakeholder landscapes, and serve as the regional voice in national forums like ADASS and DHSC.

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation. If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s. To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application. As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Closing date for applications: 28 June 2026 (22:59) Interview and assessment date: 15/16/17 July 2026.

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk