PURPOSE OF THE ROLE: This post is designed to support the Head of General Medical Services (GMS) and the Head of Pharmaceutical, Optical and Dental Services (PODs) to deliver high quality primary care services for the population of Somerset. The effective delivery of this role will involve working in collaboration with all primary care providers as well as wider health and social care system partners, in the delivery of local and national strategic priorities and agreed objectives encompassing the entirety of the commissioning and contracting cycle. The post will also be integral to supporting integrated neighbourhood working across a locality footprint. KEY RESPONSIBILTIES OF THE ROLE: General: To assist in the development of a culture of positive innovation and change for primary care within the context of improving population health and system effectiveness. Contribute to relevant policy and strategy discussions providing local knowledge, expertise, and insight to influence the decision-making process. Contract management to include procurement and negotiation. Responsibility and management of portfolio areas for example primary care workforce, community pharmacy services. Oversight and liaison with NHS England and the Southwest Collaborative Commissioning Hub (CCH) on portfolio areas. Complex technical query resolution as well as complex patient registration queries. Operational budget management. Supporting MP enquiries, complaints, and Freedom of Information requests. Project leads on identified areas of work. Support oversight sign off of the weekly GP bulletin. Represent the team at a range of internal and external meetings that require primary care ICB attendance. This includes preparing paperwork and briefings as appropriate. Ensure quality and patient outcomes is at the heart of all commissioning plans and work programmes. Ensure patient participation and engagement in development and commissioning of improved patient pathways. Collaborative Working: To take responsibility for ensuring an effective and productive relationship between the ICB and specific Primary Care Networks in a locality area. Work in tandem with the ICB Integrated Neighbourhood Leads to ensure delivery of national and local strategic priorities and objectives. To work in a Team of Teams approach with both internal and external colleagues, developing good working relationships. Leadership / Management: Deputise for the Head of GMS and Head of PODs as and when required. To line manage the Assistant Primary Care Managers in a way that supports growth and maximises potential, whilst fulfilling good HR practice. Support team leadership and development. Other: The postholder will be required to adapt and to undertake new or changing duties in line with their banding therefore, the key responsibilities listed are not exhaustive. Any changes will be in relation to changing circumstances and in consultation with the postholder. The postholder will enhance their own performance through continuously developing own knowledge and skills to meet the current and future requirements of the role and the needs of the directorate and ICB.