Head of Service - Strategic Contracts & Quality

Job Introduction

Head of Service – Strategic Contracts & Quality

People Commissioning

Are you ready to lead the charge for higher standards?

We are looking for a leader to drive strategic direction that improves outcomes and standards for people in receipt of care and support. As Head of Service – Strategic Contracts & Quality you will oversee the People Contracts & Quality function across Adult Social Care, Children’s Services and Public Health.

This is a critical leadership role with responsibility for the strategic and operational management of a complex portfolio of 500+ commissioned contracts, over 250 provider organisations and annual expenditure of £250m. You will be at the heart of contract management, building relationships and working closely with senior leaders, providers and partner organisations to ensure that services are safe, high quality, outcome-focused and deliver value for money.

Reporting to the Assistant Director – People Commissioning and Business Support, the Head of Service will play a key role in working with Strategic Commissioning colleagues and system partners, including NHS organisations, to support integrated working and continuous improvement across the health and care system.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior strategic leadership and management of the People Contracts & Quality Improvement function across Adult Social Care, Children’s Services and Public Health.
• Lead the development, implementation and ongoing assurance of a robust, proportionate, risk-based contract and quality management framework covering all commissioned services.
• Ensure effective alignment between commissioning intentions and contract delivery, working closely with Strategic Commissioning leads.
• Lead partnership working with NHS bodies, provider organisations, neighbouring authorities and other stakeholders, contributing to the wider health and care integration agenda.
• Maintain oversight and assurance of quality, safety, safeguarding concerns, complaints and serious incidents, working in accordance with statutory requirements and in partnership with regulators including CQC and Ofsted.
• Support the development and sustainability of a diverse and high-quality provider market, promoting improvement, innovation and collaborative approaches.
• Ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded within contract management and quality improvement activity, reflecting the needs of Bradford’s communities.
• Provide effective leadership and line management to Senior Contract & Quality Managers, including workforce planning, performance management and staff development.
• Hold responsibility for budget management and financial oversight within the service area, ensuring effective use of resources and value for money.
• Develop and monitor performance and quality metrics, taking corrective action where performance is not meeting required standards.
• Prepare and present reports, briefings and recommendations to senior leadership teams, governance boards, scrutiny committees and partnership forums.
• Act as a senior professional representative of the service and deputise for the Assistant Director – People Commissioning and Business Support at internal, system-wide and regional meetings as required.

About You

You will be a credible senior leader with experience operating within a large, complex organisation.

You will bring:

•  Experience in commissioning, contracting, procurement and/or quality management within health and/or social care.
• In-depth knowledge of statutory, regulatory and policy frameworks relevant to adult social care, children’s services and public health.
• A proven track record of leading large-scale services, complex teams and significant budgets.
• Experience of provider performance management, quality assurance, safeguarding and risk management.
• Strong leadership, influencing and partnership-working skills, with the ability to operate effectively at system level.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making and communication skills.
• A Level 7 qualification (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline; professional qualifications in commissioning, contracting or procurement are desirable.
• A clear commitment to co-production, equality and continuous improvement.

What We Offer

• A senior leadership role with significant strategic and operational responsibility.
• The opportunity to influence and shape system-wide commissioning and quality arrangements.
• A supportive and collaborative senior leadership environment.
• Competitive senior manager terms and conditions, including: 
  • Generous annual leave
  • Local Government Pension Scheme
  • Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining our team and would like some further information, please contact Nathan Atkinson on 07484 988888 email nathan.atkinson@bradford.gov.uk

Employee Offer

Why work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at Our Employee Offer.pdf 

Equal Opportunities 

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

 The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.