Assistant Director – Commissioning, Quality, Contracts & Performance

Make an impact on the future of care and support in Portsmouth

Portsmouth City Council is seeking an Assistant Director of Commissioning, Quality, Contracts & Performance to shape, influence and lead the commissioning of high‑quality, sustainable and outcome‑focused services for our residents.

If you bring substantial experience of commissioning, strategic planning and system-wide transformation within adult social care, this is an outstanding opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of people across our city.

You will lead our commissioning strategy and market‑shaping activity, spanning areas such as learning disabilities, mental health, safeguarding, prevention, carers’ support and long‑term care.Working across the full commissioning cycle, you will design and secure services that enable people to live the lives they want, supported by strong partnerships and a resilient, innovative care market.

This is a senior leadership role where your ideas, insight and influence will help build a healthier, happier and more inclusive Portsmouth.

Our strategic direction

You will be a key leader in delivering our Adult Social Care Strategy and our improvement plan. Your work will align with and contribute to:

• Corporate Plan
• City Vision

You will foster collaborative system working, strengthen city-wide relationships, and champion excellence through co‑production, intelligence‑led decision making, and a strong focus on quality, innovation and improved outcomes.

You will also represent Portsmouth regionally through ADASS networks, ensuring our voice is heard and our local strengths are shared.

About Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.

We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.

About you

We are looking for a strategic, forward‑thinking and influential commissioning leader with:

• A strong background in commissioning within adult social care or related fields
• Experience of market development, procurement, contract management and quality assurance
• The ability to work collaboratively with partners, providers and communities
• Excellent analytical, financial and commercial judgement
• A track record of delivering transformation that improves outcomes and sustainability
• Strong leadership skills, able to motivate and empower teams and drive a culture of improvement
• Confidence in representing the council regionally and shaping system‑wide approaches

Reporting directly to the Director of Adult Social Care, you will lead our commissioning, market‑shaping and quality assurance functions and play a pivotal role within our senior leadership team.

Our offer to you

We value talented leaders who are passionate about improving lives.You will join a supportive, ambitious and collaborative team within a unitary authority where strategic decisions can have immediate and meaningful impact.

We are committed to your professional growth, offering opportunities to develop your leadership, shape new approaches to commissioning, and influence the future of adult social care across the city and region.

How to apply

Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal

You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person'points on the Job 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. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we have a large number of applications.

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found atEquality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal

Should you require any support in completing the application form please contactrecruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.

If you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please contact:
Andy Biddle, Director of Adult Social Care – andy.biddle@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

More information about the role can also be found on our dedicated recruitment page -https://careers.portsmouth.gov.uk/join-a-leadership-team/

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage:Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults Board safer recruitment procedures.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Please read the relevant DBSprivacy notice before submitting any information.

You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.

Interview Dates:Candidates will be invited to a two-stage interview process. It is expected the first round will take place w/c 23rd March 2026 and second round will take place w/c 30th March 2026.