Director of Commissioning & Partnerships

Hertfordshire is a vibrant and varied county in the South-East of England, home to nearly 1.2 million residents. Bordering London to the north, it combines dynamic urban centres, historic market towns and attractive rural communities-making it a highly desirable place to live and an inspiring place to build a career.

Hertfordshire County Council is guided by its Corporate Plan, "Hertfordshire - On Your Side," with a clear ambition for residents to lead healthy, independent and fulfilling lives. Adult Care Services is central to delivering this ambition, working at the heart of communities to support people throughout adulthood and to achieve the best possible outcomes.

We are now seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Director of Commissioning & Partnerships, a pivotal post within Adult Care Services.

About the role

As Director of Commissioning & Partnerships, you will lead a major directorate bringing together all adult social care commissioning activity and the Council's significant strategic health and NHS partnerships.

You will set the strategic direction for commissioning across Adult Care Services, oversee all contracted provision across Hertfordshire, shape and sustain provider markets, and provide senior system leadership across the Integrated Care System (ICS). You will be responsible for commissioning decisions that are evidence-based, legally compliant, financially sustainable and closely aligned with Hertfordshire's priorities-delivering value for money across an annual care purchasing spend of approximately £500m.

You will press forward with shaping approaches to ensure equity and accessibility and ensure that the voice of people who draw on care and support is at the centre.

This is a highly visible and influential role, operating at the intersection of local government, health partners, elected Members and provider markets.

Key responsibilities

Strategic commissioning and market management

• Lead and develop all strategic commissioning for Adult Care Services, including older people, learning disability, mental health, homecare, residential and nursing care, community wellbeing and prevention.
• Ensure compliance with Care Act duties relating to market sustainability, sufficiency, and information and advice.
• Lead fee-setting strategies and market engagement, including senior relationships with the Hertfordshire Care Providers Association and housing partners.

Health and system partnerships

• Provide senior leadership for all NHS and Integrated Care System partnerships.
• Represent the Council on partnership boards, joint commissioning arrangements and regional and national forums.
• Lead strategy and delivery for the Better Care Fund and other joint health and care programmes.

Commercial and financial leadership

• Oversee multi-million-pound commissioning budgets, ensuring strong governance, financial sustainability and value for money.
• Lead commercial, procurement and contractual strategies across Adult Care Services and lead engagement with strategic budgeting and financial management.
• Provide assurance to Members and Corporate Leadership on spend, risks and outcomes.

Leadership and transformation

• Lead and line manage Heads of Service across Community Commissioning, Strategy & Health Integration, Community Wellbeing Commissioning and Brokerage.
• Drive commissioning reform and major transformation programmes
• Provide visible, credible leadership across a complex, multi-agency system

About you

You will be an experienced and credible senior leader with a strong track record in commissioning, system leadership and partnership working. You will be comfortable operating in politically sensitive environments and influencing at the highest level.

Essential criteria

• Senior-level leadership experience in commissioning, health integration or adult social care.
• Extensive experience of strategic commissioning and market management.
• Proven system leadership across local government, the NHS or similarly complex partnerships.
• Strong knowledge of Care Act commissioning responsibilities and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience of managing large, complex budgets and contractual arrangements.
• Ability to work effectively with elected Members, senior leaders and external stakeholders.

Desirable

• Relevant professional, management or postgraduate qualification.
• Experience of leading large-scale commissioning transformation or system redesign.

We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation.

We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.

This job role is Level 18. Please locate the job profile here:

Organisational Leadership

Interview Date: Friday 5 June 2026