Head of Commissioning (Mental Health)
Contract Type: Fixed Term 12 months with possible further extension. Manchester Local Care Organisation (MLCO) has been established by the partner (Manchester City Council, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Greater Manchester Mental Health Service NHS Trust and Manchester Primary Care Partnership) to integrate, plan and manage community health and social care across the City. By working better together, we are bringing community health and social care services together into our 12 neighbourhoods to form Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs). Our INTs will drive our collaborative approach, develop partnerships and building on existing community assets to facilitate improved delivery specific to each neighbourhood. We will be able to provide improved care closer to home and to support the people of Manchester to live healthier, more independent and fulfilling lives and be part of a thriving and supportive community. Our transformation journey for adult social care continues through our Achieving Better Outcomes Together programme, as we embed strength-based approaches across our social work practice and commissioning ensuring appropriate provision to support the people of Manchester ‘to live a good life, as independently as possible, with the right support in their communities’ The Head of Commissioning will play a key role in delivering our commissioning aspirations, with a focus on Adult Social Care Mental Health community services and provision. This exciting leadership opportunity will form part of our Commissioning and Transformation Leadership Team within the Manchester Local Care Organisation working directly to our Director of Commissioning and Transformation ASC and with the wider MLCO and Adult Social Care leadership teams. The role will have direct responsibility for our Mental Health commissioning team leading and delivering our strategic commissioning aspirations. We are looking for a dynamic, creative, articulate leader with strong values aligned to Our Manchester Behaviours. You won’t be afraid of challenges but will be able to bring people along with you to achieve our aspirations for Manchester residents. You will also, as part of a multi-disciplinary team and with providers, bring technical commissioning competency and the ability to make change happen and deliver at pace in a complex environment. What you will bring: please evidence your experience in each area in your supporting statement as we will be shortlisting from these criteria Substantial and demonstrable track record of senior experience leading commissioning functions in ASC or a comparable public service environment, including managing complex provider portfolios. Substantial understanding of the Mental Health care and support market. Demonstrable experience of Health & Social Care structural, legislative and policy context in which the system operates. Demonstrable experience of leading and delivering transformational change, both within adult social care and driving change at system level. A proven track record and demonstrable experience of successfully managing finance and competing budget priorities, risk and performance within the context achieving value for money. Please submit a Curriculum Vitae, and Personal Statement of no more than 2 pages with your application. If you require an informal chat about this role please contact Tracey Harrison Director Commissioning and Transformation (ASC) via Rioja Burchall (PA) rioja.burchall@manchester.gov.uk Closing date: 16th August 2026 Assessment Centre date: First week of September 2026 We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities. Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone. Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city – a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours: Benefits we offer Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people. Support During the Process Guaranteed Assessment Scheme We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below: When You Join Us We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering: For more information about the role or any adjustments, email specialistrecruitment@manchester.gov.uk What we will need from you if you're successful In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship. Pre-Employment Checks If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for, see the top of the advert for details. These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve. Other relevant information We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.
If you are excited by this challenge and the opportunity to work at the centre of significant transformation and change in the city of Manchester, we want to hear from you.
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
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Location
, , Manchester, , United Kingdom
Job ID
8712
