New Job Opening: Head of Commissioning in Woking, UK

Job Description

Head of Commissioning – Adult Social Care

South East England
£600 per day via umbrella
Inside IR35
3 month contract initially, likely to extend
Hybrid working

We’re partnering with a forward‑thinking local authority undergoing significant transformation to recruit an experienced Head of Commissioning – Adult Social Care. This senior leadership role is pivotal in driving large‑scale change across Adult Social Care, supporting the LGR transition, leading the commissioning and transformation agenda across the region.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence system‑wide change, strengthen strategic commissioning, and ensure high‑quality, sustainable services for people with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs.

Your role as Head of Commissioning

• Lead the Adult Social Care commissioning transformation programme in preparation for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).


• Ensure a smooth transition into two new unitary councils with robust planning and delivery.


• Implement and oversee the Dynamic Purchasing System for specialist providers supporting individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs.


• Serve as the single point of contact for programme delivery, offering confidence and assurance to both providers and elected members.


• Ensure providers remain fully engaged with the LGR process and understand strategic commissioning intentions.


• Oversee completion and implementation of a major community support tender exercise.


• Lead the embedding of care technology strategy across Adult Social Care for both future organisations.


• Adapt and respond to emerging priorities within a fast‑changing commissioning landscape.


• Build strong relationships with internal teams, providers, elected members, and community stakeholders.


• Report directly to the Executive Director, providing high‑level strategic advice and leadership.

Your experience as Head of Commissioning

• Extensive senior‑level commissioning experience within health or adult social care, ideally within local government.


• Proven track record leading large‑scale transformation and transition programmes, particularly within complex multi‑agency environments.


• Strong experience in procurement, tendering, and implementing Dynamic Purchasing Systems.


• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, able to build trust with providers, elected members, and senior leaders.


• Experience embedding care technology solutions across ASC services.


• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to work confidently in challenging, changing environments.


• Strong programme management skills and expertise in delivering outcomes at scale.


• Relevant degree and/or postgraduate qualification in social care, health, commissioning, or management (desirable).

If you’re an experienced commissioning leader ready to shape the future of Adult Social Care during a major transformation period, please send your up‑to‑date CV to Terry Lee at [email protected] or call 0117 313 7110.

Our clients are committed to building a diverse workforce and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Recruitment decisions focus solely on skills and experience. We will fully support any reasonable adjustments required throughout the hiring process.

Baltimore Consulting also operates a referral scheme—please get in touch if you know peers seeking new opportunities.