Cheshire West and Chester Council is a place where everyone can Thrive – through our core values of Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Value for Money and Empowerment. We are seeking an exceptional professional to join our team as a Strategic Commissioning Programme Manager – Learning Disabilities and Autism. This is a key leadership role for someone committed to improving the lives of adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults, and to shaping high‑quality, person‑centred, and inclusive support across our area. About the Role As the Strategic Commissioning Programme Manager, you will lead the commissioning, development, and transformation of services for adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults. You will work collaboratively with people with lived experience, families and carers, social care operational teams, health partners, community organisations, and providers to ensure services reflect what matters most to individuals and promote independence, choice, and inclusion. Key Responsibilities You will lead on all aspects of strategic commissioning and programme delivery, including: Developing and delivering commissioning strategies for learning disabilities and autism Leading co‑production with individuals, families, carers, and advocacy networks Driving innovation in service models that promote progression and a strength based approach to commissioning Overseeing governance and contract management. Monitoring performance, outcomes, and the impact of commissioned services Strengthening market sustainability and supporting provider development Ensuring commissioning aligns with statutory responsibilities, best practice, and our local vision of Enabling Great Lives The benefits of working for the Council go well beyond making a difference to people’s lives, as well as working within a supportive environment with people who share your values you will have access to a huge range of benefits including discounts on: High street and supermarket shopping Gym membership Holidays Days out Cinemas Cash back scheme on any medical treatment that you may require via Medicash Car lease scheme (Brand new fully maintained and insured car for 3 years in return for a fixed monthly payment via salary sacrifice) Cycle Scheme (Save up to £320 on the cost of a brand-new bike and equipment) We also offer: Competitive salary A generous holiday allowance starting at 26 days pro rata (plus bank holidays) increasing with length of service to 31 days and the ability to purchase additional leave. An excellent career average pension scheme with employer contributions of 20%. (Employer contributions elsewhere are typically 3%) The opportunity to develop your skills and career Rewards and Recognition for going above and beyond such as additional annual leave and shopping vouchers Supportive team and culture Opportunity to purchase up to 10 days additional annual leave An Employee Assistance Programme, which offers free 24/7 confidential assistance, practical information, and emotional support. Our values are important to all of us, we live and breathe them, and they shape how we work together to create positive environments where both colleagues and people who use our services can be inspired to reach their potential. If you share our values and commitment, then you’re our kind of person. Come and join us to work in an authority that has an excellent reputation, great working culture and is an inclusive and dynamic place to work. We consider our workforce to be of high value, placing wellbeing at the forefront. This is a flexible, agile post which means working in one of our Council offices in locations across the borough as well as the opportunity to work from home. Full Job description and Person specification information is attached with this advert. If you are interested in this role or any other vacancies in Strategic Commissioning and Market Management at Cheshire West and Chester Council, please join our recruitment event on Thursday 5 th March 2026 at 5.30pm. You can register for the event here. For an informal discussion please contact ascrecruitment@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk We reserve the right to close and interview candidates as soon as sufficient applications are received. Please note that this job is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. To find out more information about what it is like to work for Cheshire West and Chester Council including our rewards and benefits please see www.cwcrecruitment.co.uk No candidate will meet every single requirement - if your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you! Cheshire West and Chester Council are committed to equality and diversity in employment. Please see the Equality Policy for more information. Cheshire West and Chester Council have adopted a Local Living Wage for our employees which means that all employees will receive a minimum of £12.60 per hour for all contracted hours. For any technical enquiries please email Sourcingteam@ecwip.co.uk and quote job reference number in all correspondence.