Assistant Director, Integrated Commissioning and Contracts
| Posting date: | 03 July 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £85,289 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 29 July 2025 |
| Location: | Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2BX |
| Company: | Suffolk County Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 19812 |
Summary
- Suffolk County Council – Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX – Hybrid working 3 days/week in the office on average
- £85,289 - £102,448 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week – Flexible working options available
- Permanent
About us
As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we’re driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people. That’s why, when you join us, you’ll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.
In Suffolk adult social care, we have recently agreed a new strategic approach looking to use innovation and technology to support independence, sustainability and high-quality care. We know we want to do more to include people who use of services, the people who support them and our front-line staff in the design of services that will be more personalised and better meet need.
We want to increasingly “think system” and we need people who are able to work across the health and social care system in Suffolk. We are building new approaches to integrated commissioning with the NHS integrated care board and working with our NHS provider organisations to deliver joined up care solutions. Our voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) and independent care sector providers are central to the future model of care required.
The role
Reporting to the Executive Director of Adult Social Care (DASS), you will be at the heart of this transformation, working to develop options in the market and commission services that support independence and tailored, outcome-based support.
It is envisaged that the role will change and develop as we look to adopt a more integrated commissioning approach between adult social care, children and young people services, public health, and the Integrated Care Board’s (ICB) requirement for care and support services / prevention.
You will lead a team that manages and develops our local care providers and builds a strong culture of promoting high quality, efficient, innovative and value for money services through effective design, commissioning, and contract management. You will lead that role for Adult Social Care, and where appropriate the ICB, both in the teams you manage and in the local areas with delegated commissioning and contract management responsibilities.
About you
This exciting role calls for someone willing to embrace creative and innovative solutions, someone prepared to take risks and a leader who can enable transformation across a wide range of commissioners and most crucially independent care providers.
You will have a clear commitment to co-production and engagement and to enabling highly personalised services for people in Suffolk.
You will also have experience across adult social care, commissioning, and contract management; an in-depth understanding of the health and social care landscape and exceptional relationship-building skills will be required for success.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
Travel and workplace requirements
We positively encourage the use of technology to communicate, but on occasions, there may be a requirement for you to travel to locations away from your contractual base, using reasonable and suitable means available to you. If you require a reasonable adjustment due to a disability to meet the travel requirements of this role, please speak with the contact detailed below.
This role supports hybrid working, with an expectation to work from the office for three days each week. Please speak with the contact detailed below if you wish to discuss how that might impact your working arrangements. #LI-Hybrid
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
To find out more please visit our leadership careers page (careers.suffolk.gov.uk) where you can view a full list of requirements and read the Job and Person Profile (docx).
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
1. Please tell us about a time you worked across organisational boundaries – such as with the NHS or VCFSE sector – to deliver integrated outcomes.
2. Please tell us about your experience across adult social care, commissioning, and contract management. How have you used this expertise to improve outcomes or service quality?
3. Please tell us about your experience embedding co-production into commissioning or service development. How did you ensure it was meaningful and not tokenistic?
Step 4 - Upload an up-to-date copy of your CV (four sides of A4 maximum). Please remove name and personal details.
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 29 July 2025.
Assessment centre: 20 August 2025.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
- £85,289 - £102,448 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week – Flexible working options available
- Permanent
About us
As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we’re driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people. That’s why, when you join us, you’ll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.
In Suffolk adult social care, we have recently agreed a new strategic approach looking to use innovation and technology to support independence, sustainability and high-quality care. We know we want to do more to include people who use of services, the people who support them and our front-line staff in the design of services that will be more personalised and better meet need.
We want to increasingly “think system” and we need people who are able to work across the health and social care system in Suffolk. We are building new approaches to integrated commissioning with the NHS integrated care board and working with our NHS provider organisations to deliver joined up care solutions. Our voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) and independent care sector providers are central to the future model of care required.
The role
Reporting to the Executive Director of Adult Social Care (DASS), you will be at the heart of this transformation, working to develop options in the market and commission services that support independence and tailored, outcome-based support.
It is envisaged that the role will change and develop as we look to adopt a more integrated commissioning approach between adult social care, children and young people services, public health, and the Integrated Care Board’s (ICB) requirement for care and support services / prevention.
You will lead a team that manages and develops our local care providers and builds a strong culture of promoting high quality, efficient, innovative and value for money services through effective design, commissioning, and contract management. You will lead that role for Adult Social Care, and where appropriate the ICB, both in the teams you manage and in the local areas with delegated commissioning and contract management responsibilities.
About you
This exciting role calls for someone willing to embrace creative and innovative solutions, someone prepared to take risks and a leader who can enable transformation across a wide range of commissioners and most crucially independent care providers.
You will have a clear commitment to co-production and engagement and to enabling highly personalised services for people in Suffolk.
You will also have experience across adult social care, commissioning, and contract management; an in-depth understanding of the health and social care landscape and exceptional relationship-building skills will be required for success.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
Travel and workplace requirements
We positively encourage the use of technology to communicate, but on occasions, there may be a requirement for you to travel to locations away from your contractual base, using reasonable and suitable means available to you. If you require a reasonable adjustment due to a disability to meet the travel requirements of this role, please speak with the contact detailed below.
This role supports hybrid working, with an expectation to work from the office for three days each week. Please speak with the contact detailed below if you wish to discuss how that might impact your working arrangements. #LI-Hybrid
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
To find out more please visit our leadership careers page (careers.suffolk.gov.uk) where you can view a full list of requirements and read the Job and Person Profile (docx).
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
1. Please tell us about a time you worked across organisational boundaries – such as with the NHS or VCFSE sector – to deliver integrated outcomes.
2. Please tell us about your experience across adult social care, commissioning, and contract management. How have you used this expertise to improve outcomes or service quality?
3. Please tell us about your experience embedding co-production into commissioning or service development. How did you ensure it was meaningful and not tokenistic?
Step 4 - Upload an up-to-date copy of your CV (four sides of A4 maximum). Please remove name and personal details.
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 29 July 2025.
Assessment centre: 20 August 2025.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.