Job Description

About Us


Adult social care is committed to making a difference to the people of West Sussex. You can help us to do that. We are looking for people who get things done. An experienced and exceptional Commissioning Manager who can lead on projects alongside external service providers and internal teams to develop key areas of our business. This post will have a specific focus on managing commissioning projects to improve a range of services for vulnerable people and carers.



The Enablement and Independence Commissioning Team, part of West Sussex County Council's Adults Services Directorate, works with a range of resident representatives, service providers and internal teams to commission services that support people with care needs and carers to live the lives they want to lead. In this role, you will be an important part of the work, ensuring that services and solutions are available to people across the county to meet the care and support needs of our residents.


Team members are genuinely valued, respected and there is an emphasis on work life balance. Hybrid working helps us deliver a great service and we enjoy the flexibility this provides. No two weeks are the same so the requirements of the role are flexible. Members of the Commissioning team are based at WSCC locations in Shoreham, Worthing/Littlehampton, Chichester and Horsham so frequent travel to these and other locations is required within the role



West Sussex values and nurtures talent, and we're committed to helping you fulfil your potential. You will be offered a supportive, friendly and collaborative environment to grow and develop your career and skills. We strive to improve our ways of working, so putting your ideas forward, however big or small, will be fully encouraged by colleagues and our experienced leadership team.


About The Job

Salary:

55,057 - 58,829 per annum

Working Pattern:

Full time, 37 hours per week

Contract Type:

Permanent

Location:

County Hall, Chichester - Hybrid Working with required travel across the county*. Other WSCC Commissioning Offices can be considered

Closing Date:

Sunday 1 February 23.59

Interview Dates:

Friday 13 February



We are looking for an experienced Commissioning Manager who is passionate about making a difference and skilled at leading people and change. The successful applicant will support the development of proposals and business cases for transformation, support procurements, monitor and manage large budgets, performance and risk, adapting to ensure effective delivery of strategy and plans, commencing with the Care Homes Framework.



Our Commissioning Managers work collaboratively with people across a large, complex organisation, using developed communication, organisational, interpersonal and persuasion skills to build consensus for change and to successfully embed new ways of working. As such it is imperative to have strong networking and relationship management skills.



We strongly encourage you to have an informal chat with Chris Jones (chris.jones@westsussex.gov.uk) before applying, especially if you have experience in other areas of commissioning and you aren't sure whether to apply.


Please note that you willneed to be able to travel independently around the county, including to areas that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Council pool cars and pool bikes are available.*


About You


You will be a highly motivated person with well-developed analytic, literacy, numeracy, problem solving and project management skills which enable you to produce technical reports which make evidence-based recommendations. You will have a strong understanding of the important role that adult social care can play in people's lives and a commitment to making the customer experience better. You will know how to work collaboratively with people across a large, complex organisation, using developed communication, organisational, interpersonal and persuasion skills to build consensus for change and to successfully embed new ways of working. You will have the ability to use qualitative and quantitative evidence-based solutions and keep the customer at the centre of everything you do. You will have experience or an excellent understanding of working in a public sector environment. You will have a relevant post graduate professional qualification or equivalent experience which demonstrates that level of applied knowledge and understanding to deliver the role.



The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience:


Strong project management experience Excellent organisational skills Ability to analyse data effectively Experience in commissioning in adults social care setting (or relevant setting) including service design, leading procurements and contract management Demonstrable success in leading and managing a team Have the ability to use qualitative and quantitative evidence-based solutions Experience or an excellent understanding of working in a public sector environment. A degree or equivalent qualification or experience which demonstrates that level of applied knowledge and understanding to deliver the role.

For more information on the Key Skills as well as the Qualifications and/or experience required, please read through the full .


Rewards and Benefits


For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our

Rewards and Benefits

page.


Further Information


The reference number for this role is

CAFHE06119

.



For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Chris Jones (Service Manager, Commissioning Team - Adults' Services) at

chris.jones@westsussex.gov.uk

. For issues or queries regarding your application please contact

hrrecruitment@westsussex.gov.uk

.

To apply, upload your CV and complete the application explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV. Please be mindful when you complete your application that you will be shortlisted based on your demonstration of how you meet the criteria required for the role. Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and a health check.

West Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting an environment that is inclusive and free from all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and values the diversity of its people. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and take every possible step to ensure that no individual will be disadvantaged.



For information regarding your eligibility to apply for this role under our Disability or Veteran's Guaranteed Interview Scheme (if you meet all the essential criteria), this can be found on our

application help

page.


Note for Recruitment Agencies: We prefer to hire people directly, but we do have a supplier list for when we need a helping hand. We'll be in touch directly if we need you!



LOCATION

Chichester area

CONTRACT TYPE

Permanent

JOB TYPE

Commissioning

CLOSING DATE

01 February 2026