Head of Commissioning – Social Care

Head of Commissioning – Contracts & Quality
Initial 6-month contract
North West England
6 Month initial contract
£600 per day, Inside IR35 (via umbrella)
Hybrid working
 
CVs are being reviewed immediately, and interviews will be taking place week commencing 20th or 27th April 2026.
 
This is a rare opportunity to step into a genuinely influential senior leadership role where scale, complexity and impact come together. As Head of Commissioning – Contracts & Quality, you will report directly into the Assistant Director for People Commissioning and Business Support and lead a high‑profile function overseeing more than 500 contracts, 250+ provider organisations and an annual value in excess of £250m. You will shape how quality, safety and value are delivered across Adult Social Care, Children’s Services and Public Health, while playing a central role in system integration with NHS partners.
This role offers real breadth – strategic, operational and political – and the chance to leave a lasting legacy on market sustainability, provider quality and outcomes for people who use services. If you thrive in complex environments and enjoy leading at pace, this is one to act on quickly.
 
Your role as Head of Commissioning – Contracts & Quality:
 

• Senior strategic leadership of contracts, quality assurance and risk‑based quality management across health and social care
• Driving integration with NHS partners, aligning commissioning, contracting and quality functions
• Oversight of provider quality, safeguarding, serious concerns and regulatory engagement
• Leading and developing high‑performing managers and teams, setting clear direction and priorities
• Accountability for financial control, performance metrics and value for money across commissioned services

• You will be highly visible across the system, deputising at senior forums, influencing partners and providing expert advice to elected members and executive leaders. Engagement, co‑production and equality will sit at the heart of how you lead.

 
Your previous experience as a Head of Commissioning – Contracts & Quality:
 

• Significant senior‑level experience in commissioning, contracting and procurement within health or social care
• Strong track record of market development, provider negotiation and contract management
• Proven ability to manage large budgets, complex risk and performance frameworks
• Experience working across local authority and NHS systems, influencing at senior levels
• Relevant Level 7 qualification or equivalent professional experience

 
If you are ready to take on a role with real scale, challenge and visibility, the Head of Commissioning – Contracts & Quality opportunity offers exactly that.
 
If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail or know someone who this may be of interest to, please contact Sarah Williams on 0117 313 7110 or apply today.
 
(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation, so please do get in contact.)
 
Our clients are committed to building diverse leadership teams. Recruiting decisions are based solely on experience and skills, and reasonable adjustments are fully supported throughout the process.

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