Job Description

Job description
Within the Directorate of Communities and Adult Social Care, the Commissioning Service enables and supports better outcomes for the residents of Reading. As Head of Commissioning you will provide operational and strategic leadership for the Service, driving positive delivery, great team work and continuous improvement.



We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the 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.



We support hybrid working and it is important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel. Within this role you'll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.

About the role:

We're looking for an inspirational and proactive leader to head up the Commissioning Service.



You'll provide leadership to a team of Commissioning Managers and support them to develop and action their workplans, thereby supporting the Directorate's strategic priorities. We are looking for someone who can develop strategy but also demonstrate a strong track record of delivery.



We'll need you to oversee all aspects of the Service's work - from needs analysis through to procurements, service re-design, contract management and quality - ensuring all are compliant with the Directorate's governance arrangements and business processes.



You will bring awareness of the challenges and opportunities of working within a Local Authority. You will have experience of running a successful service, of effective partnership working with Health, care providers and people with lived experience alongside delivery of Transformation or Savings programmes; and rolling out new ways of working within a team or externally with Providers.

About you:

As the Head of Commissioning you will have demonstrable experience of managing and developing teams and successfully delivering a service-wide portfolio. An ability to navigate services through periods of change (understanding stakeholders' priorities and balancing them against the needs of your service) will be key to thriving within the role.



Your technical knowledge will encompass best practice in all aspects of the commissioning cycle and relevant regulations and legislation.



Your subject knowledge will include an understanding of Supported Living; Homecare; Day Opportunities and Supported employment; Care Homes; Extra Care Housing; and working with the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector. Your knowledge and skill and will help you to make an immediate impact.



You'll be part of a Directorate that expects every team member to play their part to the best of their ability. Our vision is for Reading to realise its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and for everyone to share the benefits of this success.



As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you'll also be part of Team Reading and will contribute to making Reading a successful and vibrant place.



Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team -

champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading.

Drive Efficiency -

create an environment in which resources are used efficiently and employees' skills are developed and used effectively.

Be Ambitious -

aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential.

Make a Difference to Reading -

inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity.

Our offer:

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:


Generous holiday entitlement - 30 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave. Maternity, adoption, parental and sick pay A wide range of flexible working opportunities. Access to a range of training and learning opportunities to help you develop. Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS) On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) 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. Salary sacrifice scheme for Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) to help you save for your retirement.

For an informal discussion please contact Lara Fromings, Assistant Director - Commissioning, Transformation and Performance -

lara.fromings@reading.gov.uk

if you would like to know more about this role.

Closing date: Thursday 16th October 2025

Interview date: To be confirmed