3 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• Surrey County Council is seeking an experienced Head of Commissioning (Adult Social Care) to lead a major transformation programme across Adult Social Care in preparation for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
• Reporting directly to the Executive Director of AWHP, the postholder will provide strategic leadership across commissioning and programme delivery, ensuring a smooth transition into two new unitary councils.
• The role will act as a senior point of assurance and leadership for elected members, providers and internal stakeholders, with a strong focus on market management, procurement, commissioning transformation and embedding care technology.
• This is a high-profile interim role requiring strong leadership, political awareness and the ability to deliver at pace in a complex and changing environment.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Lead the Adult Social Care commissioning transformation programme in preparation for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
• Ensure continuity, stability and effective transition into two new unitary authorities.
• Implement and oversee the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for providers supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs.
• Act as the single senior point of contact for providers, elected members and senior leaders, building trust and confidence.
• Ensure providers are fully engaged and supported throughout the LGR process.
• Lead and support the completion and implementation of a community support tender exercise.
• Embed the care technology strategy across Adult Social Care within the new organisational structures.
• Provide professional leadership, advice and challenge to senior managers and commissioning teams.
• Maintain effective oversight of performance, risk, budgets and governance arrangements.
• Represent the Council at internal and external forums, partnerships and programme boards.
• Champion transformation, innovation and new ways of working across commissioning services.
• Respond flexibly to emerging priorities in a rapidly changing landscape.
Skills/Experience:
• Significant senior-level experience in Adult Social Care commissioning.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale transformation and change programmes within local government or similar complex environments.
• Strong programme and project management expertise.
• In-depth knowledge of commissioning, procurement, market management and tendering, including Dynamic Purchasing Systems.
• Experience commissioning services for people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs.
• Experience embedding care technology / digital transformation within Adult Social Care.
• Highly developed stakeholder management skills, including working with elected members, providers and senior leaders.
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation, statutory guidance and governance frameworks.
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop senior teams and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Resilient, adaptable and outcomes-focused, with the ability to operate effectively in ambiguity and change.
Additional Information:
• The closing date: 20/01/2026.
• Enhanced DBS is required.