Commissioning Manager
Permanent, Full Time
£58,933 to £69,332 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style:
Interviews will be held in person at County Hall, Chelmsford on Friday 13th February.
This role will be responsible for leading and delivering on a range of projects within the Prevention, Self-Directed Support & Carers team within Adult Social Care, working collaboratively across the system to support the delivery of ECCs strategic objectives from within the Adults and Children and Families Strategic Commissioning and Policy Function. As part of this, the postholder will drive strategic engagement with internal and external stakeholders to develop and bring forward initiatives that enable Essex residents to support themselves and to live as independently as possible in their communities.
The role represents a chance to join a dynamic and thriving team at a hugely interesting and significant time for Adult Social Care in Essex. The successful candidate will lead projects to shape critical services for our population, being particularly focussed on driving outcomes for Unpaid Carers through the delivery of the unpaid carers strategy and commissioning of carers support services. As part of this work, relationships with other Councils, the NHS and ECCs own frontline Operational Teams are critical.
About the Role
We are looking to recruit an experienced commissioning professional who can work in complex situations, dealing with complex problems. Our Commissioning Managers are also responsible for managing senior and lead commissioning officers and collaborating across all functions of the organisations as well as external partners.
Whilst the successful candidate will have a range of subject matter expertise and could work across varied portfolios of work in the role, we are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience and knowledge of Adult Social Care.
You will oversee all aspects of the commissioning process from needs assessment, co-production to procurement and/or service redesign. There are plenty of opportunities for learning, development, and growth within this busy dynamic team.
The role is accountable for…
1. Leading, developing and delivering the Unpaid carers commissioning programme initially.
2. Driving commissioning programmes, as agreed with relevant Heads of Strategic Commissioning and Policy within ASC and, where appropriate, stakeholders and partners, ensuring plans are implemented to ensure outcomes are delivered, whilst ensuring value for money and sustainability.
3. Working collaboratively across the system to achieve greater efficiency throughout the organisation to reflect local need and is evidence based to deliver the best overall outcome for the people of Essex, whilst protecting the Councils’ interests.
4. Providing support and influence to Heads of Strategic Commissioning and Policy, leading delivery across a portfolio of commissioning activity, to implement outcomes and solutions.
5. Leading on the development and engagement of a broad portfolio of stakeholders, across Essex and the wider system in order to deliver collective outcomes.
6. Ensuring proficient commissioning capability and capacity as part of the ASC Strategic Commissioning and Policy Teams to deliver specific programmed commissioning activity to improve outcomes.
7. Leading on specific commissioning programmes and activities that will deliver the business plans and drive further continuous improvement to ensure high performing, sustainable and cost-effective services or place shaping activities.
8. Collaboratively co-produce design solutions, drawing on good data and insight, expertise methods and approaches from within the council, across Essex and nationally.
9. Innovatively respond to new challenges and opportunities ensuring that risks are mitigated and managed, meeting all compliance with internal regulation.
The Experience You Will Bring…
10. Educated to degree level or equivalent by experience.
11. Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant business, process or professional area.
12. Evidence of ability to influence key decision makers with a clear understanding of the vision and strategy to inspire others.
13. Knowledge and proficient experience of commissioning together with mastery of programme and project management.
14. Curiosity and learning from other innovative and inspirational organisations, evidence of ability to create a compelling case for change.
15. Experience of working within a political and complex environment, working effectively with a range of stakeholder and partner agencies at all levels.
16. Evidence of creativity in delivering results and managing change alongside leadership capability.
17. Evidence of commercial awareness and creativity in developing business opportunities.
This role involves travelling around Essex and beyond. A driving licence and car - or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means - is essential.
Adult Social Care:
Why Essex?
In June 2025, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated our Adult Social Care services as “Good” with a score of 73%.
“The local authority had a good structure and processes in place to enable people to be supported successfully, and support people to remain independent and live healthy lives. The workforce was passionate about supporting people to achieve these outcomes and the local authority had good knowledge of their area, the people living there and the demographics.”
You can read the full report on the CQC website
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Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the, 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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