Location: Aylesbury
Overview
Are you ready to lead transformational change in health and social care commissioning? Buckinghamshire Council is looking for a dynamic and experienced Strategic Commissioning Manager to join the Adults’ Disabilities and Autism team within our Adults and Health directorate.
This is a key role in a project aimed to help shape and deliver integrated, high-quality services, and improve outcomes for people with a learning disability and complex needs. The post is 0.5fte for 12 months (until the end of August 2026).
Our new Commissioning and Procurement Hub brings together strategic commissioners with operational commissioning, including Quality and Placements, and procurement colleagues. By combining our skills, experiences and lessons learned, we ensure the most effective approach to supporting all stages of the commissioning cycle, complementing other Council teams to maximise the quality and value for money for our residents.
Working hours: 18.50 hours per week
Salary: £49,354 - £51,759 per annum pro rata
Contract: FTC/secondment until 31 August 2026
About us
Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.
About the role
This role sits in the Disabilities and Autism team but will be focussed on the Specialist Review project with a multidisciplinary project team including social workers, a behavioural specialist and a commissioner, aiming to ensure that people are receiving the right services to meet their needs, achieving good outcomes and that providers are delivering quality services which are value for money. The commissioning role in the project includes negotiating with providers, benchmarking costs and identifying any gaps in provision to inform commissioning intentions for the future.
Your responsibilities will include:
1. Leading commissioning activities on the project.
2. Driving innovation and continuous improvement across services.
3. Engaging with providers, communities, and stakeholders to shape services.
4. Ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and safeguarding standards.
5. Supporting business planning, financial oversight, and risk mitigation.
6. Deputising for the Strategic Commissioning Lead when required.
This role offers the opportunity to influence long-term service planning and contribute to shaping the future of commissioning services for people with a learning disability in Buckinghamshire.
Any-Desk:
As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.
About you
You will be a confident and strategic leader with:
7. Substantial experience in commissioning within health or social care.
8. Expert knowledge of the commissioning cycle and relevant legislation.
9. Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
10. A track record of delivering innovative, outcome-focused services.
11. The ability to manage complex projects and competing priorities.
12. A collaborative mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement.
13. You’ll be educated to degree level (or equivalent), with a passion for improving lives through high-quality public services. You’ll also be comfortable working across organisational boundaries and leading multi-agency initiatives.
Please see job summary attached for full details about the role.