Internal vacancy. Applications will only be considered from existing Leeds City Council employees.
As a Head of Commissioning, you’ll lead on strategic and integrated commissioning portfolios with a value of in the region of £60m, in partnership with health, housing and public health. Leading on the commissioning of high quality services to meet local needs and best outcomes for people, achieve value for money and address health and social inequalities. Commissioned services include Housing Related Support, Domestic Abuse, Drugs and Alcohol, Integrated Offender Management and Public Health services such as Integrated Sexual Health service and 0-19. The postholder will be a senior officer in Adults Integrated Commissioning Service and Adults and Health Directorate.
This is an opportunity to be part of our creative and supportive leadership team that is involved in high profile areas of commissioning and contract management.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About you
As a Head of Commissioning, you will bring to the role:
* Substantial senior leadership and management experience relevant to the area of service delivery.
* Strong leadership and management skills to develop a high performance culture across the service where everyone can achieve their potential and ‘feel they count’.
* Ability to create a vision and direction that challenges and looks beyond the obvious and inspires and motivates others to achieve by driving change, leading by example and promoting the ambition to become the best city.
* Ability to establish, develop and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders and partners to improve and enhance service delivery and innovation.
* Responsibility and accountability for developing and implementing appropriate, proportionate and effective solutions to complex service delivery problems.
* Ability to lead and manage a number of complex and potentially conflicting strategic and operational issues/priorities and be able to develop initiatives where best practice, value for money and high performance is demonstrated.
* Ability to influence the strategic direction of the service through working with internal and external partners and stakeholders ensuring services support and deliver outcomes that reflect the needs of the diverse, multi-cultural nature of our city.
* Substantial experience in building credible and effective collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders including Directors, elected members, Trade Unions, colleagues and partner organisations.
* Awareness of and support for difference ensuring equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the behaviours, values and standards of Leeds City Council.
About the role
The post holder will be accountable to the Deputy Director, Integrated Commissioning for:
* The overall business management of commissioning services within the Adults and Health Directorate.
* The cultivation of excellent professional and working relationships with partners and stakeholders.
* The management of the interface with Corporate Procurement colleagues.
* Establishing and delivering a contracts, quality and business development strategy and infrastructure for a range of services.
* The leadership and management of the commissioning agenda for a range of services.
* The effective management of resources in accordance with statute, the rules and regulations of the Council and the directorate.
* Securing fair and equal treatment for all customers and employees.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
* A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
* Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
* A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
* A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.
How to apply
Please complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like a conversation about the role please email Kashif Ahmed, Deputy Director, Integrated Commissioning at kashif.ahmed@leeds.gov.uk.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is recognised in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2024. We are also an Age-friendly Employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.
Job Description
Job purpose
To lead on commissioning and business development including contracting, quality assurance and market management, line management of staff as required, supporting commissioning and those involved in delivery of services.
The role requires the post holder to assist in the development and subsequently lead commissioning programmes to support identified service needs.
As a member of the senior management team, the post holder will contribute to and be jointly responsible for the development and delivery of an agenda of service transformation through commissioning and the ongoing development with partners of locality based, fully integrated service provision across the city.
Key Requirements
The post holder will be accountable to the Deputy Director, Integrated Commissioning for:
* The overall business management of commissioning services within the Adults and Health Directorate.
* The cultivation of excellent professional and working relationships with partners and stakeholders.
* The management of the interface with Corporate procurement colleagues.
* Establishing and delivering a contracts, quality and business development strategy and infrastructure for a range of services.
* The leadership and management of the commissioning agenda for a range of services.
* The effective management of resources in accordance with statute, the rules and regulations of the Council and the directorate.
* Securing fair and equal treatment for all customers and employees.
As a member of the senior management team, the post holder will be professionally accountable to the Director of Adults and Health for the effective management of generic and city-wide commissioning programmes.
Responsibilities
* Assist the Deputy Director, Integrated Commissioning in planning, organising, managing and developing the provision of high quality, effective and consistent services, providing strategic leadership and management that adds value and supports the delivery of the Council’s strategic objectives.
* Deliver programmes of strategic significance to the Council to deliver services in line with Council priorities.
* Responsible for the development and delivery of the service plan and continuous improvement initiatives through leading and contributing to cross Council projects, collaborative working with partners and supporting Directorate management teams.
To support the Deputy Director, Integrated Commissioning, in the following:
* Being an effective Member of the Commissioning Senior Management Team and the Directorate Senior Management Team by sharing responsibility for forward work programming and the successful delivery of Directorate business objectives.
* Ensuring that commissioning programmes enhance organisational focus on securing equality of outcomes and fair treatment and access for all in service delivery.
* Resource commissioning initiatives and project programmes to deliver agreed service requirements.
* To use strong people management skills in order to motivate, develop and performance manage staff within your service area to drive service improvements.
* Ensure that management information systems are developed, utilised and maintained to support the business.
* Support the development of a commissioning culture within the Service and the Council, and through integration with NHS commissioners.
* Work in conjunction with the Heads of Service across the Directorate, together with appropriate partners to devise, develop and support innovative and effective service redesign that meets strategic objectives.
* Undertake and lead on reviews of services or aspects of services as directed by the Deputy Director.
* In conjunction with other members of SMT, devise and update appropriate infrastructures, methodologies and templates to support the commissioning strategy and business development of the Directorate.
* Deputise as required, for the Deputy Director.
* Take a strategic and operational role in the development of technology based commissioning.
* Be responsible for the development and maintenance of commissioning quality frameworks.
* Represent the Directorate in corporate and external commissioning initiatives.
* Lead and manage the development of enterprise initiatives in commissioning.
* Lead marketing and contracting programmes which enable the personalisation of Adult Social Care.
* Ensure maintenance and updating of databases in compliance with corporate requirements.
* Support the Executive Member for Adults and Health and other elected members, where appropriate to enable them to carry out their decision making responsibilities.
* Ensuring the provision and development of measurable quality services in line with LCC Procurement Policy.
* Demonstrating that external contracts and SLAs deliver value for money and high quality services. Making relevant Chief Officers and Directors aware of the issues concerned with procurement plans, service purchasing and failing services.
* To work with suppliers and potential suppliers to ensure long term and sustainable health and care services are available.
* Undertaking market development through the letting of contracts, plus analysis, research and budget monitoring.
* To provide specialist advice and recommendations to the Directorate Leadership Team about strategies to influence service provision and to ensure that the risk of services failing is reduced.
* To work in conjunction with the relevant Finance Officers to monitor expenditure and ensure that financial targets are met.
* Implement and manage new contracting, grant making and investment policies, in conjunction with the Corporate Procurement colleagues, and in consultation with the Commissioning Senior Management Team, NHS partners, service providers, service users and staff.
* In association with the Commissioning Senior Management Team to ensure that exit strategies are developed as necessary with the maximum notice periods and with minimum disruption to services.
* To manage, promote and deliver positive solutions to achieving equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery, community engagement and human resource areas, focussing on equality of outcome.
* Working as a team for Leeds by developing and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external customers, other stakeholders and partners to achieve excellent outcomes for the citizens of Leeds.
* To be accountable for the safety of staff, service users and contractors in accordance with legislation and the Council’s Health and Safety Policy.
* As a leader in the organisation with key people management responsibilities to undertake duties in relation to people management policies such as Investigating Officer and Hearing Officer.
* As a senior manager in the Council to work flexibly as required to meet Directorate and Corporate priorities.
* Substantial senior leadership and management experience in a service or operational area relevant to the area of service delivery.
* Build confidence with senior officers, elected members and partners, ensuring that they are appropriately briefed and involved in relation to any service issues and that information is available and accessible to senior internal stakeholders.
* Experience of working with senior management to shape and influence the delivery of the council’s strategic priorities at a City, Directorate and Service level ensuring people issues are kept at the forefront.
* Substantial experience in building credible and effective collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders including Directors, elected members, Trade Unions, colleagues and partner organisations to understand future challenges and to deliver effective workforce solutions.
* Ability to contribute, as a member of the service Leadership Team.
* Evidence of developing and driving a culture which puts customers first and where everyone can realise their potential and ‘feels they count’.
* Build strong and dynamic relationships and networks and build trust with individuals and partner agencies to deliver better outcomes for Leeds City Council.
* Demonstrate knowledge of legislation, regulations, policies, inspections and performance information applicable to the relevant strategic functions e.g. child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection. Promoting compliance with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
* In line with the Budget Management Accountability Framework to be responsible and accountable for financial resources within the service area ensuring value for money and working within financial regulations.
* To manage, promote and deliver positive solutions to achieving diversity and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery, community engagement and human resource areas, focussing on equality of outcome.
* Detailed knowledge and understanding of economic strategy and policy, understanding of local government political systems and experience of working on politically sensitive issues including significant experience of developing productive working relationships with Council Members, trade unions and members of the Corporate Leadership Team which commands respect trust and confidence.
* In line with the Budget Management Accountability Framework to be responsible and accountable for financial resources within the service area ensuring value for money and working within financial regulations.
* Manage resources and a substantial budget in a cost effective and flexible way that is responsive to a dynamic national, local and political context. You have a thorough understanding of the issues facing the Council within its economic, business, cultural and political environment. Plans are in place to ensure that there is an efficient and sustainable use of resources, employees are effectively employed, and budgets are maximised.
* The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate to the grade.
Qualifications: Appropriate professional qualification or equivalent substantial knowledge gained through significant managerial experience across the service area.
Working Context - Post holders will work flexibly both at home and at various locations across the City and region. All colleagues should work in line with our hybrid working principles and spend regular time in the workplace to support service delivery, meeting the needs of the team and the requirements of their individual role. The hours are worked mainly Monday to Friday. However, the post holder will be expected to work outside normal working hours, including attendance at evening/weekend meetings or events if required to meet the needs of the service.
Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.
Experience: Extensive experience of commissioning services which deliver positive outcomes for people, quality and value for money.
Knowledge: Have a comprehensive knowledge of local, regional and national issues, which influence the city and council policy and practice, and strategy within your service area. Maintaining up to date knowledge of current thinking and developments and use this to evaluate and assess business practice to influence efficient and effective ways of working.
Lead changing programmes and priorities based on in depth knowledge of the economic, business, cultural and political environment within the city and region using your skills to persuade, influence, develop and motivate people and establish effective partnerships to achieve service objectives.
Leadership & strategic planning: Demonstrate strong leadership and management skills to develop a high performance culture across the service(s) where everyone can achieve their potential and ‘feel they count’ and where there is a drive to deliver the most efficient and effective solutions with evidence of a high performing, engaged and productive workforce along with effective leadership and management that leads to focussed solutions and quality outcomes.
Contribute to and influence the strategic direction of the service area working with a range of internal and external partners and stakeholders and Business plans are in place for the service, and contingencies are identified so that plan objectives can be met.
Lead the development, implementation, promotion and evaluation of strategies and policies. Contribute to overarching strategies and the management of key plans, projects and programs at an organisational, directorate wide and local level using strong leadership and management skills to develop innovative strategies to support a high performing culture where the service’s plan and policies are translated into excellent service outcomes.
Collaboration & innovation: Create a vision and direction that challenges and looks beyond the obvious and inspires and motivates others to achieve by driving change, leading by example and promoting the ambition to become the best city. There are examples of innovation in managing and implementing solutions on complex issues and in transformational change programmes.
Establish, develop and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders and partners to improve and enhance service delivery and innovation ensuring the Council promotes, secures resources and is effective in delivering its agenda through work with peers, Members and other partner organisations across the city and regions.
Ensure the capacity to respond positively to change is enhanced, 'traditional thinking' is challenged, and innovative solutions are pursued throughout the area of responsibility. Creating a culture that promotes an innovative and forward thinking organisation, and a ‘can do’ attitude from employees and colleagues.
Problem solving & decision making: Take responsibility and accountability for developing and implementing appropriate, proportionate and effective solutions to complex service delivery problems.
Demonstrating the ability to collate and analyse complex information to inform decisions and promote best practice within a strategic framework.
Understand the need to balance corporate requirements with operational responsibilities and make timely well-judged decisions in order to achieve successful outcomes across a diverse range of, related and unrelated issues using a degree of evaluative judgment in relation to risks and issues and have the ability to identify potential impact within a range of changing and conflicting internal and external factors.
Delivery: Lead and manage a number of complex and potentially conflicting strategic and operational issues/priorities and are able to develop and implement innovative solutions to deliver required service outcomes with evidence of continuous service improvements, support for cross council initiatives where best practice, value for money and high performance is demonstrated.
Develop, manage and contribute to complex partnerships involving various stakeholders to gain ownership of a shared vision and direction to achieve positive outcomes. Demonstrating effective leadership and management to achieve sustainable service improvements and outstanding results in a multi-disciplinary environment.
Develop and maintain constructive relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, partners, public and private sector and voluntary organisations across the city and region to ensure the delivery of excellent services and outcomes.
You influence the strategic direction of the service through working with internal and external partners and stakeholders ensuring services support and deliver outcomes that reflect the needs of the diverse, multi-cultural nature of our city.
Resource & people management: Engage, develop and performance manage resources that support adaptable ways of working and creating strong more flexible teams with the right people in the right place with the right skills using a coaching approach to motivate, enthuse and drive individuals within the directorate to create a high performing workforce and an organisational culture of shared accountability and continuous improvement.
Manage resources and a substantial budget in a cost effective and flexible way that is responsive to a dynamic national, local and political context. You have a thorough understanding of the issues facing the Council within its economic, business, cultural and political environment. Plans are in place to ensure that there is an efficient and sustainable use of resources, employees are effectively employed, and budgets are maximised.
Able to demonstrate examples of managing services, implementing change and achieving quality transformational outcomes.
Demonstrate knowledge of applicable legislation, regulations, policies, inspections and performance information and relevant strategic functions e.g. health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection.
Detailed knowledge and understanding of economic strategy and policy, understanding of local government political systems and experience of working on politically sensitive issues.
Substantial senior leadership and management experience relevant to the area of service delivery.
Experience of working with senior management to shape and influence the delivery of the council’s strategic priorities at a City, Directorate and Service level.
Substantial experience in building credible and effective collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders including Directors, elected members, Trade Unions, colleagues and partner organisations.
Evidence of significant experience and commitment in relation to the engagement of relevant citizens, customers and stakeholders in decision making processes.
Significant experience of developing productive working relationships with Council Members, trade unions and Corporate Leadership Team which commands respect trust and confidence.
Behavioural & other Characteristics required:
* Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
* Be aware of promote and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., health, safety, Wellbeing, security, confidentiality, and data protection.
* Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the behaviours, values and standards of Leeds City Council.
* Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
* Understand and observe Leeds City Council approach to equality, diversity and inclusion.
* Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
The role profile and specification are an outline only and may vary from time to time without changing the character of the job or level of responsibility.
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