Head of Commissioning - Adults in Stoke-on-Trent

Head of Commissioning - Adults in Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent Full-Time 60000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
WMJobs

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic commissioning and transformation in Adult Social Care and Public Health.
  • Company: Stoke-on-Trent City Council, committed to community diversity and inclusion.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, excellent pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on improving outcomes for residents.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through innovative service delivery and partnerships.
  • Qualifications: Experience in strategic commissioning and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.

Stoke‑on‑Trent City Council is seeking a strategic leader to serve as Head of Commissioning – Adults.

This senior role leads major transformation across Adult Social Care and Public Health, shaping how services are commissioned for residents across the city.

  • Job Details
  • Directorate: Adults Social Care & All Age Commissioning
  • Section: All Age Commissioning
  • Location: Civic Centre
  • Grade: SM4
  • Hours: 37 hours per week
  • Open to both internal and external applicants

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and delivery of strategic commissioning plans across Adult Social Care and Public Health.
  • Drive large‑scale transformation programmes, service redesign and innovation for externally commissioned services and in‑house provision to improve outcomes and deliver sustainable savings.
  • Provide strategic leadership for market shaping, provider relationships and commissioning activity, ensuring high‑quality, value‑for‑money services.
  • Build strong partnerships with NHS colleagues, providers, communities and other stakeholders to deliver integrated, person‑centred services.
  • Lead and support statutory improvement activity, including CQC Assurance and Adult Social Care market sustainability requirements.
  • Manage significant budgets and commissioning programmes, providing expert advice and assurance to senior leaders, elected members and strategic boards.

Qualifications

  • Significant experience of strategic commissioning, service transformation and change delivery within local government, health or the wider public sector.
  • Strong leadership skills with a track record of leading high‑performing teams and delivering results in complex environments.
  • Experience of managing large budgets, delivering savings programmes and applying commercial thinking to improve outcomes and value for money.
  • Excellent partnership building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across organisations, including health partners, providers and elected members.
  • Extensive knowledge of Adult Social Care commissioning, procurement and contract management, together with relevant statutory and regulatory frameworks.
  • A strategic and innovative mindset, with the ability to use data, insight and evidence to shape services, drive improvement and deliver better outcomes for residents.

What we offer

  • A competitive salary based on skills, experience and talent.
  • Hybrid and flexible working options.
  • An excellent local authority benefits pension scheme.
  • Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training sessions and apprenticeship and management schemes.
  • Further information on our rewards and benefits can be found on the council website.
  • Pre‑Employment Checks
  • Right to Work in the UK
  • Proof of address
  • Satisfactory references
  • Occupational Health Clearance
  • Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
  • DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable for the role)
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Stoke‑on‑Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves, and can succeed together.

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Head of Commissioning - Adults in Stoke-on-Trent employer: WMJobs

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to make a tangible impact in the public sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, WMCA supports its staff in navigating the complexities of local governance while fostering a dynamic environment that values innovation and adaptability. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to a range of resources aimed at enhancing their career journey.

WMJobs

Contact Details:

WMJobs Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Commissioning - Adults in Stoke-on-Trent

Dive into Local Community Groups

Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at WMJobs.

Attend Social Work Events and Workshops

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Leverage Your Network

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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commissioning - Adults in Stoke-on-Trent

Strategic Commissioning
Service Transformation
Change Delivery
Leadership Skills
Budget Management
Commercial Thinking
Partnership Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.

Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!

Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!

Tailor Your Application to WMJobs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to WMJobs! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs

Understanding the Role of Empathy

In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.

Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks

Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.

Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills

In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.