Commissioning Portfolio Lead

We are looking for an exceptional candidate to join our team as a Commissioning Portfolio Lead.

This will be a 12-month post to provide effective portfolio management leading on a number of high-profile initiatives.

-          Supporting the Implementing the new Community Investment Fund

-          Managing the Direct Payments Service Mobilisation

-          Managing the Befriending Service Contract

The post holder will lead all aspects of commissioning and contract management within the portfolio area of Adult Social Care as part of the Community and Prevention team. The successful applicant will be joining a dynamic team of public health and local authority commissioners who are committed to improving outcomes for the communities they serve. We are looking for a motivated, knowledgeable candidate with a passion for co production and partnership working experience of contract management and knowledge of the commissioning cycle to join us in making a difference to adults, children’s and families lives in Cheshire West and Chester.

Full details of the role can be found in the attached job description.  However, if you would like to find out more and/or discuss this opportunity in more detail please contact View email address on jobs.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Interviews planned for 16th June 2026

Commissioning Portfolio Lead – Community and Prevention Team

Cheshire West and Chester Council is setting the pace and continuing to build a reputation for doing things differently.

The Strategic Commissioning and Market Management team is responsible for commissioning a wide and varied range of high quality, best value services within the People’s Directorate across the Cheshire West Place that meet the needs of some of our most vulnerable residents.

Our approach to commissioning – Enabling Great Lives!

Our vision is for people to live great lives. People will live healthy, happy and independent lives, in the place they call home and with the people they love because we will commission services which are based on what people want to enable them to live a full and independent life.

For everyone, regardless of their age or ability, our vision means they will be able to live their lives well in their community with a range of universal and specialist services which support a healthy, independent and fulfilling life.

For older people this means they will age well at home in their community with their family and friends. When more support is needed, it will start with a conversation about what makes a great life for them and there will be just enough of the right kind of support to enable them to keep living the life they want.

The team has a challenging programme of recommissioning planned for the next 5 years.  

As a Commissioning Portfolio Lead, you will play a crucial role in making this vision a reality. Working within our Community and Prevention Team, you will help ensure that our residents across the borough benefit from the right support, in the right place, at the right time.

About the role

• Lead on the delivery of commissioning projects
• Undertake contract management and produce monitoring reports for the Strategic Commissioning Manager.
• Deliver coproduction activities with people who draw on care and support and their families to ensure new models of care and support are based on what people want.
• Undertake research into new models of care and support and produce concise reports on your findings to inform the development of commissioning intentions, strategies and plans.
• To produce highlight reports and other project documentation for the Commissioning Senior Managers relating to projects in the portfolio.
• Undertake needs analysis to contribute to the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.
• Organise and facilitate meetings in support of the commissioning process, including project meetings, contract management meetings, forums, market engagement events
• Produce high quality reports which provide accurate and relevant analysis and recommendations for management teams, Elected Members, partners and the public
• Develop relationships with multiple stakeholders, specifically internal Legal, Procurement, Finance and Operations along with providers and statutory partners.

About you

We are looking for someone who is confident, and proactive to be part of our dynamic team who work in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience in commissioning and  contract management

• Ability to evaluate services, negotiate effectively and influence stakeholders.

• Strong communication, analytical and organisational skills.

• A commitment to partnership working, problem-solving and delivering value for money.

• Commitment to the Council’s THRIVE values.

How to find out more

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact:

Steve Henshaw – Strategic Commissioning Manager (Community and Prevention Team) Email:  View email address on jobs.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Please note that this job is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.