Head of Contracts & Commissioning

Lead a strategic contracts and commissioning function, shaping commissioner relationships, securing sustainable funding arrangements and supporting the long-term commercial success of a national care portfolio. 

Join a forward-looking care organisation with a strong, long-term commitment to the success of every home. Supported by substantial, planned investment, we provide the resources and stability needed to deliver high-quality, sustainable care while nurturing thriving communities. This is a full-time, office-based role based at our Support Office in Darlington, working 40 hours per week and offering the opportunity to work closely with colleagues across the organisation to support homes nationwide.

Working within the Commercial & Growth function, you will play a key leadership role in managing strategic contracts, commissioning relationships and funding opportunities across England, Scotland and Wales. You will help ensure the organisation is positioned as a trusted provider, working collaboratively with commissioners and internal stakeholders to support sustainable growth and positive outcomes for residents.

About the Role

The Head of Contracts & Commissioning leads the full contracts and commissioning function, owning relationships with local authorities, ICBs, NHS bodies and other statutory funders. The role is responsible for ensuring contracts are actively managed, commercially sustainable and aligned with operational and regulatory requirements.

You will lead contract lifecycle management, fee negotiations, tender and framework activity, and provide expert guidance on social care funding arrangements. Working closely with senior stakeholders across commercial, operational, finance and quality teams, you will identify opportunities, manage risks and ensure commissioning activity supports wider organisational priorities.

As a senior leader within the Commercial & Growth function, you will provide direction and development to the contracts and commissioning team, while representing the organisation at senior commissioner meetings, provider forums and industry engagement events.

About You

You will be an experienced contracts and commissioning leader with a strong understanding of the social care, healthcare or regulated public sector landscape. You will be confident managing complex stakeholder relationships, negotiating commercially sustainable outcomes and translating commissioning developments into clear strategic actions.

You will combine strong commercial judgement with excellent relationship-building skills, able to operate strategically while remaining close to operational detail. You will be a credible and resilient leader who can influence senior stakeholders, develop teams and navigate complex negotiations with confidence.

What You’ll Bring

Essential

Significant senior experience in contracts management, commissioning or commercial development within adult social care, healthcare or a comparable regulated environment.

Strong understanding of social care commissioning and funding frameworks, including local authority commissioning, FNC, CHC and NHS funding arrangements.

Proven experience managing complex contracts portfolios, leading fee negotiations, tenders and framework applications.

Strong commercial, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with commissioners and influence senior stakeholders.

Experience leading and developing teams, with the ability to provide direction, coaching and support to build capability.

Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to identify risks, opportunities and provide clear recommendations.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence presenting to senior audiences.

Relevant degree, professional qualification or equivalent practical experience gained at a senior contracts and commissioning level.

Desirable

Professional qualification or accreditation in contract management, procurement, commissioning or a related discipline.

Experience operating across more than one UK jurisdiction (England, Scotland or Wales).

Experience presenting to Executive Leadership Team or Board-level audiences.

Knowledge of wider public sector procurement frameworks and commissioning models.

Additional Information

This is a remote role with regular travel required to commissioner meetings, provider forums, homes and other locations across the portfolio. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure is required for this role, and a DVLA licence check will be completed in line with company insurance requirements