Head of Adults Commissioning
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
About this job
Are you looking to make an impact on the future of care and support? The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is seeking a Head of Adults Commissioning, to shape, influence and lead the commissioning of high‑quality, sustainable and outcome‑focused services for our residents.
If you bring substantial experience of commissioning, strategic planning and system-wide transformation within adult social care and wider system, this is an outstanding opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of people of the borough. You will lead the development and delivery of our adults commissioning strategy, spanning areas such as learning disabilities, mental health, older people, prevention, better care fund planning, carers’ support and long‑term care. Reporting directly to the Director of Commissioning, Commercialisation and Innovation, this is a senior, high‑profile leadership position with responsibility for shaping services, managing significant budgets and risks, and delivering system‑wide improvement in partnership with health, housing, voluntary and community sector partners. You will play a pivotal role within the council, ensuring that commissioned services are high quality, cost effective and focused on improving outcomes for residents, helping them to live safe, happy and healthy lives.
Special requirements for this post
The post holder must be able to operate at a senior strategic level, providing leadership across complex commissioning portfolios involving significant financial, operational and safeguarding responsibilities. The role requires strong partnership working with elected members, NHS and external providers, the ability to manage risk and provider performance, and to deputise for senior directors when required. The post holder will have delegated financial authority, oversee substantial budgets, and ensure statutory duties are met. Occasional evening, weekend and public holiday working may be required to meet service and stakeholder needs.
About you
We are looking for a strategic, forward‑thinking and influential commissioning leader with:
- A strong background in commissioning within adult social care or related fields.
- Experience of market development, procurement, contract management and quality assurance.
- The ability to work collaboratively with partners, providers and communities.
- Excellent analytical, financial and commercial judgement.
- A track record of delivering transformation that improves outcomes and sustainability.
- Strong leadership skills, able to motivate and empower teams and drive a culture of improvement.
- Confidence in representing the council regionally and shaping system‑wide approaches.
About us
Barking and Dagenham is ambitious for its residents and committed to delivering high‑quality, sustainable services in a challenging and fast‑changing environment. We are proud that our Adult Social Care Service is rated outstanding by CQC and we are looking to build and maintain this success through the development of innovative commissioning approaches to improve outcomes for our residents.
Additional Information
For an informal chat about this role, please contact the recruiting manager Jo York on email Jo.York2@lbbd.gov.uk.