Director of Commissioning – Adult Social Care and Health

Permanent

B02 - £135,398 - £175,419

Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Pay Equity Review

Working 36.5 hours per week / On‑site in Birmingham at least 3 days per week

Be a leader and shape a resilient, high‑quality care market for Birmingham and accelerate our journey to Outstanding CQC.

Birmingham is resetting how we think, feel and act so every adult can live with independence, dignity and choice. As our Director of Commissioning, you will report to the Executive Director of Adult Social Care & Health, sit within the ASC Executive Directorate Management Team, and lead the full adult social care commissioning cycle, from market analysis and planning to procurement, contract management, quality and brokerage, with system partners across health, communities and the independent sector.

Your mandate and scope are clear. You will lead adult social care commissioning and joint commissioning with the NHS/ICB, shape a sustainable, sufficient market, and drive value for money through a deep understanding of unit costs, market gaps and commissioning solutions. You’ll also lead Client Financial Services (Appointeeship, Direct Payments, Financial Assessments), our systems and data teams (including statutory returns and insight), and champion our digital strategy to support transformation at pace.

What you will deliver in year one

Market sufficiency and sustainability: A clear, evidence‑led plan that addresses gaps across older adults, learning disability & autism, mental health and carers, supporting stable, high‑quality provision aligned to CQC expectations.
Assurance ready, every day: Robust commissioning governance and quality oversight across the analyse plan do review cycle, with contract management and brokerage focused on outcomes, equity and value for money.
Integration that works: A refreshed joint commissioning framework with the ICB and partners (including Better Care Fund priorities) that improves outcomes, supports prevention and reablement, and strengthens system resilience.
Insight‑driven commissioning: Transparent unit‑cost and market‑intelligence dashboards that inform procurement strategy, savings delivery and ethical commissioning.
Citizen control & fairness: Stronger Direct Payments practice and financial assurance; timely financial assessments and appointeeship services that are compassionate, accurate and efficient.
Digital & data foundations: A practical roadmap for our digital strategy, better use of technology‑enabled care, and high‑quality statutory returns to support operational decision‑making.

The portfolio you’ll lead

Adult Social Care Commissioning - end‑to‑end: needs assessment, service design/specification, procurement, contract management, quality and brokerage.
Joint commissioning & partnerships - Birmingham ICB, Provider Collaboratives, and the voluntary, community and faith sector (VCFSE).
Market shaping & development - sufficiency, sustainability and quality across the independent sector.
Better Care Fund leadership - to support integration, innovation and better outcomes for citizens.
Client Financial Services - Appointeeship, Direct Payments and Financial Assessments.
Systems, data & digital - statutory returns, insight for decision‑making, and the Council’s digital strategy for ASC.

About you

Authentic, values‑led system leader with a proven track record of ASC commissioning and transformation in complex environments.
Expert knowledge of adult social care and commissioning, including the statutory and regulatory framework, embedded through commissioning, contracts and provider quality.
Credible experience delivering joint commissioning with health partners (including the ICB), with the political acumen to work confidently with elected members, providers and trade unions.
Strong financial stewardship - leading sizable budgets, driving efficiencies and best value, underpinned by commercial acuity and ethical practice.
Leadership that builds high‑performing, inclusive teams - collaboration, accountability and kindness so people thrive and citizens feel the difference.
Aspirant DASS or experienced senior officer who wants the opportunity to have impact and make difference in the largest Council in the country.

Working pattern & location

This is an in‑person leadership role. You’ll be on site in Birmingham at least three days per week, with flexibility over how you shape the remainder of your week around citizen and system needs.

Our commitment

We’re building an inclusive, equitable workplace where everyone belongs and can do their best work, and where commissioning decisions are evidence‑based, fair and citizen‑focused. If you share that purpose, you’ll find a home here.

How to apply

Please upload an up-to-date CV and Supporting Statement via the attachments part of your application. The Supporting Statement should outline how you meet the criteria for the role through your personal qualities, skills and experience and include your motivation for applying to the post. Note the Personal Statement should be no more than 1500 words. Unfortunately, we cannot consider any applications without a CV and Personal Statement attached

Want to talk first? For an informal, confidential conversation, contact resourcing@birmingham.gov.uk in the first instance.

Closing date: 1 May 2026

Technical interviews: Week commencing 12 May 2026

Members Panel Interview (incl. stakeholder panels): TBC - Date to be confirmed following the local elections and subsequent establishment of the Council’s Cabinet and governance arrangements.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as we may close this vacancy earlier than the advertised date if we receive a high volume of strong applications. However, we remain committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and all applications received will be considered in line with our selection criteria.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the communities we serve. Our data tells us that for this level of role, ethnic minorities are underrepresented and therefore we will use positive action to support us to achieve diverse shortlists. This may mean that recruitment times are a little longer, but we think this is worth it to achieve our aim.

Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people.

We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.

Birmingham City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our citizens and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. You can view our Corporate Safeguarding Policy | Birmingham City Council here.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken.

Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Job Description and Person Specification

Candidate Pack