Strategic Commissioning Lead

*Please note that although the closing date for this advert is 16th November 2025 applications will be reviewed on a weekly means that the advert will be withdrawn should the vacancies become filled before the closing date*

The Service & Team

Lead strategic transformation across Cornwalls most vital services.

Cornwall Council is nationally recognised for its innovative integrated approach to commissioning built on strong partnerships across health education and social care. Were developing a professional commissioning discipline that blends best practice robust evidence and co-design with communities creating an environment where commissioners can thrive and make a measurable difference.

As a Strategic Commissioning Lead youll be accountable for the strategic commissioning of either a key area of need or a major service function a significant subset of our life-course commissioning approach. Youll define what good looks like set the strategic direction and lead delivery across the full commissioning cycle.

This is a delivery-focused leadership role ideal for someone who thrives on complexity collaboration and long-term transformation. Youll be part of a high-performing commissioning team reporting to a Head of Commissioning and working alongside other Strategic Leads to shape the future of services in Cornwall for children and young people.

Your Impact

Youll be the strategic ambassador for your commissioning area making a compelling case for change drawing on national and international evidence and leading large-scale transformation programmes that span service models financial strategy and stakeholder engagement.

In this role you will:

• Lead the commissioning strategy for your area aligned to Cornwalls life-course approach.
• Define strategic outcomes and success measures grounded in evidence and codesigned with communities.
• Oversee complex transformation programmes that may span several years.
• Shape and sustain the marketplace building positive relationships with providers to ensure capacity and quality.
• Lead contract and supplier relationship management ensuring compliance and proactive market sustainability.
• Drive improvements in outcomes value and performance across the full commissioning cycle.

This position will be subject to an enhanced criminal record disclosure check.

About You

Were looking for someone who combines strategic insight with operational rigour. Youll bring:

• Senior-level commissioning experience in local government or the wider public sector.
• A track record in transformation market shaping and delivering large-scale change. As well as financial rigor best value and quality outcomes.
• The ability to influence across systems backed by evidence-led thinking and a focus on what matters most.

Multiple Roles Available

We are recruiting Strategic Commissioning Leads across several key areas please let us know what areas are of interest to you in your application:

• Early Years and Prevention
• Children with Disabilities
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Working Pattern

There are 3 FTE roles with an opportunity to work full or part time. Working patterns are flexible in this role such as hybrid work arrangements (including time in the office) compressed hours term-time only and other alternatives.

Please indicate your requested working pattern in your application.

Why Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to lead strategic commissioning in a Council known for innovation strong partnerships and delivering real impact. Youll join a team with the resources support and political commitment to deliver ambitious change.

Cornwall Councils ambition is to be an employer of choice a high performing Council and a learning organisation. We commit to providing a reward and benefits package to attract motivate and reward our employees. We offer a range of flexible working options to our staff. This helps provide our employees with a greater work/life balance. Whilst still ensuring that service needs are met.

We offer:

• A competitive salary
• Flexible hybrid working
• Generous annual leave with the option to purchase additional days
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• A nationally recognised employee wellbeing programme
• Access to a wide range of discounts on goods and services
• Relocation support if applicable
• Investment in your career and development
• The chance to lead work that transforms lives

Additional Information

Cornwall Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship or transfer existing sponsorship for this role.

The full role profile is attached here.

We recommend saving a copy of this to refer to if you are invited to an interview.

For more information or an informal chat about the role please contact Angie Andrews Head of Commissioning email or telephone .

Application Process

Please attach a supporting statement to your application you can add your Education & Qualifications details manually using the application form timeline or you can upload your CV. Remember to demonstratewhy you are suitable against each of the points marked as Application on the Role Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. Guidance on how to complete your application can be found here The application process.

Please note that applications cannot be edited after they have been submitted please contact if you have any queries or require assistance with your application.

Existing employees must apply using their Cornwall Council email address through the Opportunity Marketplace on Oracle.