Commissioning Manager

We are looking for an experienced and forward‑thinking Commissioning Manager to lead a critical programme of work focused on reducing out‑of‑area placements and strengthening local provision for people with complex needs, including learning disabilities, autism, and mental health conditions. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our local care market, improve outcomes for residents, and deliver significant financial and operational benefits for the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing strategic commissioning plans for specific cohorts and commissioning activity ensuring clear actions and timeframes for meeting identified objectives.
• Engaging with the wider provider market to stimulate, shape, and secure high‑quality, sustainable services that meet the needs of residents with complex needs and challenging behaviours.
• Reviewing and repurposing existing provision to maximise local capacity and reduce reliance on high‑cost external placements.
• Analysing demand and cost pressures, including the needs of younger adults aged 18‑25, to inform long‑term commissioning strategies.
• Driving innovation in service models, outcomes‑based commissioning, and personalised support.
• Working collaboratively with operational teams, providers, partners, and people with lived experience to codesign solutions that deliver better outcomes closer to home.

Key Requirements

• Demonstrable and recent experience of delivering commissioning priorities end‑to‑end, with clear evidence of leading all stages of the commissioning cycle from initial concept and needs analysis, through procurement and market engagement, to contract implementation, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement.
• A proven track record of effective leadership within a complex health and adult social care environment, showing the ability to navigate organisational challenges, drive change, and deliver measurable outcomes for people with complex needs.
• Evidence of successful engagement and partnership building with a wide range of stakeholders, including housing providers, supported living and residential care providers, health partners, voluntary sector organisations, and internal operational teams demonstrating the ability to influence, negotiate, and coproduce solutions that shape the local market.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave, increasing after 5 and 10 years’ service.
• The option to purchase additional annual leave.
• An attractive LGPS benefit pension scheme with the option to make shared cost additional voluntary contributions.
• Discounted gym membership with Oldham Active.
• Staff discount scheme for shopping, entertainment, eating‑out, eating‑in, travel, motoring and more.
• Salary sacrifice scheme for home and electronics and Cycle to Work.
• Wellbeing support, including a Mental Health First Aider network and an Employment Assistance Programme that provides 24‑hour access to advice and support.
• Staff recognition and celebration events.
• Peer support groups.

We are not able to offer sponsorship for this role.