Head of Strategic Commissioning and Policy
Permanent, Full Time
£72,737 to £85,572 per annum
Location: Countywide across Essex (main office base in Chelmsford)
Working Style: *
Anticipated interview dates: Thursday 11th December and Friday 12th December in person at County Hall, Chelmsford
*Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. Enjoy the freedom to work from home while still benefiting from in-person collaboration at our offices across Essex, typically around 2 to 3 days per week dependent on business need.
This is an exciting opportunity to join an experienced, passionate and enthusiastic team who are driven by improving the experience of people in Essex. The role is a key member of the Strategic Commissioning & Integration senior leadership team.
Our Strategic Commissioning & Integration teams are at the forefront of transformation across Essex, leading strategic planning and commissioning work that aims to improve outcomes and support people to live full and fulfilling lives.
In this strategic role you will lead a specialist area, working closely across commissioning, integration and operational teams and partners, including a series of all age programmes and workstreams. You will be part of shaping a forward-thinking vision for the commissioning of services, exploring innovative approaches that achieve better outcomes and common goals for citizens of Essex.
We are looking for an inspiring communicator who can engage with citizens and communities in immersive and impactful ways. You will work in close collaboration with people in Essex, alongside our partners and stakeholders, helping to design and deliver a model that maximises value.
You will be accountable for…
1. Leading our programme of work on personalisation and self directed support to deliver the outcomes set out by people with lived experience and the people working with them.
2. Leading the social care work on accommodation to promote people’s independence with a focus on the vital importance of a place called home.
3. Leading work to improve outcomes and experience for unpaid carers
4. Leading Adult Social Cares work on early help and prevention to promote people’s independence and wellbeing
5. Transformation of transport for adults to support people to be able to work where they want to and take an active role in their communities.
6. Ensuring your lead areas of work transition smoothly to their new organisations as part of Local Government Reform in Essex
7. Generating fresh thinking and analysis and new ways of influencing our impact on people; developing innovative systems and processes.
8. Providing whole systems leadership building wide internal and external networks with colleagues, partners, communities
9. Leading multi-disciplinary teams demonstrating both line and matrix management approaches; whilst working collaboratively with colleagues both internally and externally to identify and develop opportunities.
10. Designing new methodologies and digital approaches, drawing on the right data, expertise, methods and approaches which enhance service delivery and improve outcomes for people in Essex.
The Experience You Will Bring:
11. Educated to RQF level 6 (Bachelor’s degree) or equivalent by experience.
12. A passion and commitment to working with people in Essex to design, deliver and monitor high quality care and support
13. Good understanding and experience of change leadership and management
14. A good understanding of national and local priorities and policy
15. Experience and understanding of leadership in complex systems
16. Ability to lead and develop great teams including influencing people you don’t line manage
17. Experience of building strong working relationships with health, housing and care professionals
18. Ability to design, drawing on the right analysis and data, to understand need and improve outcomes for people in Essex
19. Proven influencing skills with an ability to lead and deliver change to increase quality of service
20. Proven ability of developing solutions to deliver quality of services with financial constraints and competing priorities
This role involves travelling throughout Essex. A driving licence and car - or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means - is essential.
What’s in it for you?
21. Generous Time Off: Starting with 27 days of holiday, which increases with your length of service, plus 8 bank holidays and up to 4 paid volunteer days each year to give back to your community.
22. Secure Your Future: Benefit from enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), ensuring your financial security for the future.
23. Health and Wellbeing: We know that your wellbeing is essential. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment for all employees. You will have access to our wellbeing portal, employee networks and more.
24. Professional Growth: We cover the payment of professional fees for approved professions, supporting your career development.
25. Work-Life Balance: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements, allowing you to balance work with your personal life.
, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
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