Commissioning Manager

Are you an experienced and knowledgeable professional with expertise and enthusiasm for strategic commissioning, procurement and contract management within the Public Sector?Are you passionate about improving services and getting better outcomes for people? If so, we have a fantastic opportunity for you to join our team as a Commissioning Manager within Adult Social Care at Reading Borough Council.We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.About the Role:Throughout your time with the Service, you will be a key member of the Team, working with the Head of Commissioning and the wider team to cover the new 'Living Well' portfolio whilst the permanent postholder is on secondment.Your role will be integral to the delivery of good outcomes for the people we support with a focus on younger people services, promotion of strengths-based approaches and development of community assets.As part of a supportive and flexible team, you will work with the Social Care market, alongside partners in health and housing and with people who receive support. You will actively lead and contribute to various projects encompassing strategic commissioning, the implementation of efficiency measures, service design, contract management, and procurement.These endeavours collectively contribute to the Council's aspiration to transform social care in Reading, making it more innovative, outcome-focused, and personalised. Rest assured, you will receive consistent support and supervision while collaborating with the team.About You:This position is ideal for a well-organized and enthusiastic person who will bring a good understanding of Adult Social Care and Health, a desire to make a difference, excellent interpersonal skills, analytical thinking and the capability to influence and drive positive change.As part of your role: You will have strategic oversight of the Living Well (18 to 64 years olds) portfolio for the Directorate, providing line management and support to Commissioning Officers who are overseeing projects in the Living Well portfolio. You will lead on the mobilisation of our new supported living framework. You will lead on strategic work in developing Living Well services including our day opportunities offer, alternative to residential services, transition pathways and developing services for people with complex behaviours. You will link with other teams across the Council including the Operations teams, and the Council's Legal Team and Procurement hub; as well as working closely with other organisations including other Local Authorities, Providers and Health. You'll be part of a team that expects everyone to contribute their best. As well as close colleagues, you'll also be one of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potentialBe Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance - striving to be even better - and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive wayMake a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are neededOur offer:We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you'll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including: Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave A wide range of flexible working opportunities Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS) On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax For further information pleaseemail Contracts.Team@reading.gov.uk - FAO Lizzie Angove (Head of Commissioning) Closing Date: Monday 15th December 2025Interview Date: To be confirmedInterview Setup: Interviews will be held in person at the Civic Offices, Reading