Want to make a difference?
We are committed to improving outcomes for the people and communities we serve. To help us achieve this, we are looking for a proactive and skilled Commissioning Lead who can drive work to completion across a range of commissioning areas. A ‘can do’ person with a balanced approach to detail and strategic oversight would benefit the team. A demonstrable ability to lead, build relationships with internal teams, external providers and stakeholders and use data, intelligence and analysis to inform evidence‑based decision making, shape commissioning strategies and improve the quality, value and impact of services will fit well with the role.
About you
You will be a highly motivated leader with the ability to:
- Lead on a portfolio of medium- to high-risk commissioning projects and ensure they deliver the required outcomes within agreed timescales, being accountable for the key outcomes for those projects.
- Provide effective line management to officers in the team where appropriate, and /or co-ordinate, direct and support commissioning and contracts officers to perform effectively to achieve service objectives. Provide informal training and up-skilling directly to other employees as necessary to share learning and support good practice development.
- Develop and maintain strong and appropriate working relationships with key strategic providers. Use these relationships to work in partnership so to achieve a financially stable and innovative care market that responds to emerging customer needs.
- Use market intelligence information, negotiation and financial/business acumen to deliver value for money across all services provided to customers. Work closely with colleagues and partners to support identification of gaps in provision, develop options for solutions and work with the provider market to create and develop new opportunities.
- Support the development of robust service specifications and other procurement documents in conjunction with contracts, operations, providers, service users and carers.
- Ensure the compliant sourcing, procurement and letting of contracts of high risk/high value services including ensuring confirmation of budgets.
- Ensure financial processes are in place to pay for commissioned solutions and contract management and performance information gathering is in place to review the outcomes of commissioned provision and to support learning for future commissioning.
- Support the collection, benchmarking and analysis of information to inform needs assessments and an understanding of future demand, in order to shape priorities for improvement, identify market deficiencies and support the allocation and effective use of resources. Job Description & Person Specification
- Support the development of commissioning approaches that address personalisation and whole person pathway from self-care and illness prevention through social, primary, community, secondary and tertiary care, taking into account national guidance, evidence-based practice and strategic priorities
About us
Our commissioning function works across a wide range of service areas, collaborating with residents, providers and internal and external partners to design and secure services that deliver high quality, value for money and improved outcomes.
As a Commissioning Lead, you will:
- Lead and motivate teams on commissioning workstreams and projects across any service area as required, including older people, lifelong and enablement and independence services, resolving complex issues independently, planning solutions and making sound pragmatic decisions which will have a direct impact on the business/services and meet deadlines and objectives
- Demonstrate your ability to forward plan over the long term, making effective judgements to continuously develop and review the effectiveness of services and solutions
- Use data, performance insight and market intelligence to prepare complex reports and shape commissioning decisions
- Undertake contract management, due diligence, review quality and performance, and support service improvements and market development
You will be part of a team that values curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement, with opportunities to develop your analytical, commissioning and strategic skills.
About The Job
Salary: NJC Grade 12 £48,226 to £51,356
Working Pattern: Full Time (37 hours Monday – Friday)
Contract Length: Permanent
Location: Hybrid working – Office base is Chichester please note the role requires regular travel across the county
You will need to be able to travel independently around the county, including to areas that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Pool cars and pool bikes available.
Take a look at our Commissioning campaign page for further information on the work of the commissioning teams - https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/campaigns/careers-in-the-adults-commissioning-service/
Rewards and Benefits
Our values and support for one another is intrinsic to everything we do and will be a key priority within the assessment for this post. We care hugely about wellbeing, allowing time for a good work/life balance, and developing our team to be the best they can be. Alongside this, we also offer the below benefits.
- Training and development opportunities, including apprenticeships and personal development
- Remote working & hybrid working options
- 29 days annual leave + bank holidays with the ability to buy additional leave annually
- Maternity, paternity, dependency, and adoption leave
- Access to a generous, defined benefit pension scheme, 21.37% employer contribution
- Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres
For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our Rewards and Benefits page.
Further Information
The reference number for this role is CAFHE06443.
For issues or queries regarding your application or further information about the role please contact [email protected].
To apply, upload your CV and complete the application explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV. Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and a health check.
West Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting an environment that is inclusive and free from all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and values the diversity of its people. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and take every possible step to ensure that no individual will be disadvantaged.
For information regarding your eligibility to apply for this role under our Disability or Veteran’s Guaranteed Interview Scheme (if you meet the essential criteria), this can be found on our application help page.
Note for Recruitment Agencies: We prefer to hire people directly, but we do have a supplier list for when we need a helping hand. We'll be in touch directly if we need you!
