Overview
In this senior role you will provide strategic leadership for a broad mental health, learning disabilities, children and young people, and maternity commissioning portfolio. You will shape strategy, drive transformation, and ensure high-quality, value-for-money services that reduce health inequalities. You’ll work with Trust boards, partners, and regulators to deliver system-wide priorities and programme delivery. This position offers influence at the highest level in a complex, politically sensitive environment and a clear opportunity to improve regional health outcomes.
Pay / Benefits
- flexible working
- wellbeing resources
- term-time or part-time options
- flexible hours/work patterns
- supportive leadership culture
- working to reflect and support diverse communities
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership across the Mental Health, Learning Disabilities, Children and Young People and Maternity commissioning portfolio
- Lead commissioning strategies, service redesign and transformation programmes to improve outcomes and reduce health inequalities
- Deputise for the Strategic Commissioning Director at local, regional and national forums
- Develop strong partnerships with NHS providers, local authorities, primary care, social care and VCFSE organisations
- Oversee performance, quality, governance, risk and assurance across the portfolio
- Provide expert commissioning advice to senior leaders, Boards and governance committees
- Lead major service reviews and commissioning projects across Lancashire and South Cumbria
- Use population health and performance data to inform strategic decision-making and service improvement
- Influence ICB-wide planning and contribute to corporate and system-wide priorities
- Lead stakeholder engagement and co-production with partners, patients and communities
- Manage delegated budgets and resources, ensuring value for money and effective financial stewardship
- Provide leadership, development and support to senior managers and multidisciplinary teams
Key requirements
- Master's degree or equivalent in strategic leadership, management or relevant discipline
- Demonstrable senior leadership and management development
- Relevant professional qualification where required by the specialty
- Extensive senior commissioning leadership experience within Mental Health, Learning Disabilities, Children and Young People and Maternity
- Proven track record of influencing and delivering at system level (e.g., ICS/ICB/ICP or cross-sector)
- Extensive experience deputising for Director-level leaders
- Significant commissioning experience overseeing governance, assurance and risk management processes
- In-depth knowledge of strategic commissioning leadership, system working, organisational change and transformation
- Strong understanding of commissioning governance, regulatory frameworks, assurance mechanisms and statutory duties
- Ability to analyse and interpret complex datasets, performance information and risk intelligence
- Influencing at senior levels
- Stakeholder engagement and partnership building
- Strategic thinking and visioning
- Population health data analysis
- Performance data interpretation and use in decision-making
- Governance, assurance and risk management processes
Deputy Director for Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and CYP in Preston employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
