About the Role
We're seeking a commercially minded, people-focused
Business Development & Commissioning Manager
to join our growing team at Cedar Health and Wellbeing. This is a pivotal role where you'll combine commercial acumen with a deep understanding of the learning disability and autism sector.
You'll be responsible for driving growth by identifying and securing new business opportunities, building strong partnerships with commissioners, and overseeing the mobilisation of new packages of support and services. You'll act as a bridge between commissioning bodies, operational teams, and stakeholders—ensuring seamless transitions from business development through to service delivery.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong commissioning knowledge and relationship-building skills who is passionate about shaping innovative services that meet regulatory and contractual requirements while delivering high-quality outcomes for the people we support.
Our Mission
We are committed to delivering high-quality, community-based residential and supported living services for adults with learning disabilities and autism. Our aim is simple: to support people to live fulfilling lives, reach their full potential, and improve their health and wellbeing.
Our Values
At Cedar Health and Wellbeing, our values underpin everything we do:
* Integrity
– We do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
* Accountability
– We take ownership of our actions and outcomes.
* Respect
– We celebrate individuality and diversity.
* Passion
– We love what we do and let it shine through.
* Nurture
– We believe in growth, for the people we support and for each other.
What You'll Be Doing
As Business Development & Commissioning Manager, your key responsibilities will include:
* Business Development & Growth
– Identify and secure new business opportunities through tenders, frameworks, and commissioner relationships. Build a strong pipeline aligned with our strategic growth plan.
* Commissioning & Relationship Management
– Build and maintain strategic partnerships with commissioners, ICBs, and local authorities. Represent the organisation in forums and meetings, promoting our values and capabilities.
* Service Mobilisation
– Support the safe mobilisation of new services and packages of care, ensuring CQC compliance, contractual requirements, and smooth transitions.
* Contracting & Fee Negotiation
– Negotiate fees, placements, and contracts to balance sustainability with high-quality service delivery.
* Compliance & Quality
– Ensure all services and documentation meet CQC, MCA, MHA, and organisational standards. Maintain GDPR compliance in all data handling.
* Market Insight & Strategy
– Monitor policy developments, funding changes, and market trends to inform business strategy and identify gaps in provision.
* Stakeholder Engagement
– Work with housing providers, social housing partners, and internal teams (finance, HR, quality) to deliver high-standard, sustainable services.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking someone with proven experience in health and social care commissioning, placements, or operational management, who has a strong understanding of the LD&A sector and thrives in a fast-paced, commercially focused role.
Essential experience & skills:
* Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regionally or nationally.
* Access to a vehicle during working hours.
* Graduate-level qualification or equivalent
* Proven experience working in a similar role within the adult social care sector (e.g. placements, referrals, commissioning, or operational management (CQC Registered Manager minimum 2 years).
* Strong understanding of learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs services.
* Knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and CQC regulations.
* Understanding and experience of working with Legal Frameworks to support people with Autism, Learning Disabilities and/or Mental Health Needs in the community. Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Safegurds
* Excellent understanding of the commissioning landscape and funding arrangements for people with learning disabilities and/or autism.
* Strong commercial awareness and ability to align service development with business goals.
* Exceptional communication, networking, and relationship-building skills.
* Ability to work professionally and collaboratively with supported individuals, families and professionals.
* Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
* Experience of writing tenders, bids.
* Experience in managing funding applications.
* Highly organised with strong project management skills.
· Ability to manage multiple and often competing priorities and deadlines
* Excellent written, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
* Numerical competence. Knowledge of financial management and budget oversight in the context of residential care and supported living services.
* Concise, informative and accurate report writing skills
Desirable:
* Experience within a private/independent provider setting.
* Knowledge of PBS and Transforming Care agendas.
* Graduate-level qualification in health & social care or related field.
* Experience in leadership and management in the health and social care sector.
Benefits
* Company pension scheme
* Private medical insurance
* Electric car scheme access
* Death in service benefit
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
* Blue Light Card eligibility
Schedule:
* Monday to Friday (8-hour shifts) – Hybrid working considered for the right candidate.
Location Requirement:
Job Types:
Full-time, Permanent
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £40,000.00-£50,000.00 per year