Head of Operational Commissioning (Placements, Brokerage, Market Management, and Quality)

Overview

Are you a operational leader that has a passion for public service, for delivering high-quality packages of support to those most in need, and ensuring value for money? We are looking for a Head of Operational Commissioning to lead and manage a dedicated team of specialists that supports our Better Lives priorities through every package of care and support that is found for our residents. If this is you, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our new Commissioning and Procurement Hub.

This service area is complex and there is a highly developed understanding of the importance of the work we do, and this in turn means that there is wholehearted organisational support to delivering the best outcomes for our Buckinghamshire residents that require our support.

Salary: Up to £85,000 per annum

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

In this role, you will develop excellent micro-commissioning, ensuring the provision of high-quality services at the appropriate cost. You will be accountable for the effective, value-for-money commissioning of placements and packages of care across adults and children’s services, ensuring tight financial control on commissioned spend within this area.

• Develop strong relationships with relevant services and providers, aligning services to corporate priorities and frameworks.
• Ensure an integrated placement and brokerage function is in place, with effective end-to-end processes for purchasing support efficiently.
• Oversee the quality assurance function supporting placements and brokerage.
• Facilitate the development of relationships with suppliers at service and operational levels, challenging them to innovate and drive out inefficiency.
• Manage a budget of circa £2-3m and support the monitoring of contract spend of £200m.

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

The successful candidate will have a strong track record of leading and managing change, working in a complex multi-agency service organisation. You will have a strong commissioning, performance and contract management background along with experience of working in social care or health services.

 

• Educated to degree level or equivalent standard.
• Relevant professional qualification.
• Significant relevant experience of managing a service/professional expertise area in a large public sector organisation.

Other information

Interview dates 16th & 17th April 2025

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining us, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

We know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/