Commissioning Lead

West Sussex County Council Adults Social Care service works with the residents of West Sussex to support people to live the life they want to lead.  As a commissioning lead you will be an important part of this making this happen.

We are looking for Commissioning Leads to join our dynamic, diverse and friendly teams, to support us as we develop and ensure innovative social care solutions are available across the county. The Older Peoples commissioning team are looking for great communicators and collaborators who can motivate and inspire and make a difference for older people across our communities to join the team as Commissioning Leads.

Want to know more about the role and what we have to offer you? Why not come to our virtual event to meet the managers and really get to see what we are all about. 

We hope you will join our interactive event on 13th November from 12.30pm-2.00pm on Microsoft teams: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/commissioning-recruitment-event-tickets-746087968197?aff=oddtdtcreator

About The Job:

Salary: £43,516 – £46,549 (+ Pay Award Pending)

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.

This role delivers across all parts of the commissioning cycle from analysis, research and planning through to procuring or developing provision and reviewing and managing contracts. Your focus will be on growth and development of services in areas where there are gaps, support innovation and flexibility, whilst maintaining oversight of the whole care market to manage risks and challenges.

Please note we also have fixed term contracts available for this position, if you would like more detail or to discuss this in more detail please follow up using the contact details in the Further Information section of this advert.

Take a look at our Commissioning campaign page for further information: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/campaigns/careers-in-the-adults-commissioning-service/

Experience & Skills:

Shortlisting will be based on your response to the Key skills & experience listed in your Cover Letter. For further information please see the 'further information' section. Please note the full detailed list of the Key Skills can be found on the attached job description on the West Sussex Application page.

Qualifications and/experience:

• Degree or equivalent qualification or experience in commissioning / procurement / contract management and demonstrating that level of applied knowledge.


• Relevant advanced theoretical or organisational knowledge of systems, procedures and policies associated with operating a demanding procurement, commissioning and contract management service


• Experience working in contract management, commissioning, or procurement within the adult social care sector, with knowledge of appropriate legislation including the Health and Care Act 2022


• Experience of leading a range of projects and programmes to meet strategic objectives


• Experience of applying project management techniques to deliver programmes on time and within budget


• A UK Driving licence is desirable as you will be required to travel frequently to sites/locations that may not be accessible by public transport.

Rewards & 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.

• 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.


• Training and development opportunities, including apprenticeships and personal development.


• 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 CAFHE04342. 

For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact angela.yphantides@westsussex.gov.uk / abbie.johnson@westsussex.gov.uk for queries regarding your application please contact rachael.doolan@westsussex.gov.uk

To apply: 

Follow the link to complete the application form & upload your CV please ensure you highlight what you can bring to the role ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV. Please be advised you will be shortlisted on your response to the key skills, so 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, 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!