Head of Commissioning UK Remote Jobs

Core Responsibilities

The Head of Commissioning will have a range of key duties, each vital to the success and operational efficiency of Aspris Children’s Services:

1. Establishing Technical Excellence
   • Develop and implement a top-tier commercial management framework, complete with efficient processes and systems, ensuring that the organization adheres to all its contractual, regulatory and statutory obligations. The goal is to build a “Best in Class” structure that safeguards our compliance while promoting excellence.
   • This includes continuous improvement of internal systems to streamline operational efficiency and ensure our service delivery remains high-quality and compliant.
2. Collaboration Across Teams
   • Work closely with both our Operational and Central teams to provide timely and relevant management information. This data will cover referral pipelines, expected occupancy levels and areas that may require additional support, allowing for accurate and strategic financial forecasting.
   • By maintaining open communication and seamless collaboration, the Head of Commissioning will facilitate better decision-making and proactive support across all departments.
3. Driving Best Practices in Contract Negotiations
   • Collaborate with the Commercial Manager and the Head of Bids and Tenders to develop and implement best practices in fee negotiations and contract management. The aim is to maximize commercial performance, ensure financial stability and establish secure contractual arrangements.
   • Additionally, the role involves assisting with debt recovery processes, working strategically to protect the financial health of the organization.
4. Brand Management and Occupancy Campaigns
   • Maintain a close working relationship with our Communications and Brand Team. This partnership ensures that our external brand messaging aligns with the current needs of our operating environment. It also involves developing campaigns focused on increasing occupancy rates, especially in services that require additional referral volume or promotional support.
   • The Head of Commissioning will be responsible for ensuring that marketing efforts are data-driven and strategically aligned with organizational goals.
5. Ensuring an Independent and Confident Team Voice
   • Provide the team with a strong, independent voice within the organization, enabling them to challenge existing processes and encourage colleagues to make decisions that prioritize what is right. This involves building confidence among teams and ensuring that best practice approaches are consistently applied across all service areas.
   • The Head of Commissioning must act as a strategic advisor, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.
6. Supporting Area Directors and Driving Local Engagement
   • Work in close partnership with Area Directors in the Care Division to drive business performance and sustainable growth. This includes developing and implementing localized engagement plans designed to enhance our approach to commissioning and referral management.
   • Transitioning from a reactive to a proactive model, the Head of Commissioning will foster strong, strategic relationships with Local Authorities and other placement organizations. This change will involve engaging with key stakeholders to anticipate needs and match service provisions with community requirements.
7. Understanding Community Needs and Strategic Pricing
   • Develop a comprehensive understanding of the needs of the local communities we serve. By matching these needs to our service offerings, the Head of Commissioning will ensure that placements are managed effectively and financial viability is maintained.
   • This includes developing a strategic pricing model that balances community needs with the organization’s financial goals, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a dynamic and courageous leader with substantial experience in commercial management and multi-site service delivery. The ideal candidate will have:

• Leadership and Experience: Proven experience in leading large, complex organizations and managing commercial operations across multiple sites. Familiarity with the care sector and the unique challenges it presents is highly desirable.
• Regulatory Knowledge: An in-depth understanding of Ofsted and Local Authority expectations and contractual obligations, ensuring all services comply with these standards.
• Commercial Acumen: A strong sense of commercial awareness, with the ability to balance operational performance and manage risk effectively.
• Operational and Hands-On Approach: Comfort with operating at an operational level, working as a trusted partner to drive solutions. A proactive, inquisitive and hands-on approach is essential to thrive in this role.

What You Can Expect

Working at Aspris Children’s Services provides a unique and fulfilling career opportunity. Few jobs allow you to make such a direct and positive impact on the lives of young people and here, you will have the chance to help shape their futures meaningfully. Joining our supportive team comes with various benefits and opportunities for growth:

1. Generous Leave Entitlement
   • Enjoy 25 days of annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays and an extra day off for your birthday. The longer you work with us, the more leave you earn, rewarding your commitment and dedication.
2. Rewards and Discounts
   • Access the Aspris Rewards and Discount Scheme, which offers various perks and savings. These incentives are designed to add value to your day-to-day life and make working with us even more enjoyable.
3. Comprehensive Induction and Ongoing Training
   • All new staff members participate in a thorough induction program, preparing them for success from day one. Additionally, we are committed to your ongoing professional development, with numerous opportunities for training and career progression.
4. Disclosure Check Coverage
   • We cover the cost of your enhanced disclosure check (if required), ensuring no financial burden for you as part of your onboarding process.
5. Employee Recognition Program
   • We believe in acknowledging and celebrating the hard work and dedication of our staff. Our Employee Recognition Scheme highlights and rewards exceptional performance and achievements.
6. Employee Assistance Program
   • Your wellbeing is important to us. We offer an Employee Assistance Program, providing support and resources for various challenges, including mental health support, financial advice and more.
7. Tech and Cycle Schemes
   • Through our Tech Scheme, you can purchase technology and pay for it through salary sacrifice, making it easier to access the tools you need. Similarly, our Cycle to Work Scheme allows you to buy a bicycle and pay for it in installments, promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
8. Wellbeing Support
   • We provide comprehensive wellbeing support to ensure you are in the best place, both physically and mentally, to succeed in your role. From mental health resources to work-life balance initiatives, we are committed to your overall wellbeing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications and experience are required for this role?

We are looking for an experienced leader with a strong background in commercial management and multi-site service delivery. Knowledge of Ofsted and Local Authority contractual requirements is essential, along with excellent commercial awareness and the ability to manage risk effectively.

How does the Head of Commissioning contribute to financial forecasting?

The role involves collaborating with operational and central teams to provide management information about referral pipelines and expected occupancy levels. This data helps identify areas needing support and ensures accurate financial forecasting for the organization.

What is the expected work style for this role?

The Head of Commissioning should be hands-on and proactive, working at an operational level to drive solutions. They must be comfortable challenging existing processes and encouraging best practices across the organization.

What kind of support and development does Aspris offer?

Aspris provides a comprehensive induction plan, ongoing training and career progression opportunities. We also invest in employee wellbeing through resources like the Employee Assistance Program, tech and cycle schemes and generous leave entitlements.

What are the benefits of working at Aspris Children’s Services?

Employees enjoy 25 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays and a day off for their birthday), a rewards and discount scheme, coverage of enhanced disclosure check costs, employee recognition programs and support for overall wellbeing.

How does the Head of Commissioning role impact the children and young people at Aspris?

By optimizing commercial and referral management practices, the Head of Commissioning ensures that resources are used effectively to provide high-quality care and support, ultimately contributing to better outcomes for the children and young people we serve.

What is the team culture like at Aspris?

Aspris has a friendly, supportive and collaborative culture that values the contributions of all team members. We encourage continuous improvement, innovation and a strong focus on making a positive impact.

How does the role ensure compliance with regulatory obligations?

The Head of Commissioning will establish processes and systems that meet contractual, regulatory and statutory requirements. This involves staying up-to-date with relevant regulations and working closely with teams to ensure full compliance.