Head of Service (Age Well), Adults and Public Health Commissioning

Job Description

The London Borough of Harrow is seeking an experienced and visionary Head of Service (Age Well), in our Adults and Public Health Commissioning Service to provide strategic leadership across health, social care and partnerships. This pivotal role will drive the development and delivery of integrated commissioning strategies, ensuring that resources are used effectively to achieve improved outcomes for older people in Harrow.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Strategy and Commissioning, the postholder will lead complex, high‑value programmes and manage commissioning budgets in excess of £70m. You will oversee services for older people embedding innovation and best practice throughout. You will work in close collaboration with the Heads of Service for Start Well and Live Well to coordinate the council’s commissioning programmes.

The role requires strong partnership working with health providers, voluntary sector organisations and statutory partners, as well as the ability to influence at senior levels and represent Harrow in regional and national forums. By fostering collaboration, embedding co‑production, and championing equality, you will help shape sustainable models of care and deliver Harrow’s vision of resilient communities.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader to make a lasting impact, ensuring services are equitable, efficient and responsive to the diverse needs of Harrow’s residents.

The successful candidate will have:

• A graduate or post‑graduate qualification, or equivalent experience, with evidence of continuing professional development.
• In depth knowledge of the Care Act 2014 and other relevant legislation, policies and guidance.
• Strong understanding of commissioning processes for adults with complex needs.
• Strategic knowledge of market management, development and effective resource allocation.
• Proven experience of leading complex local government initiatives and managing significant commissioning budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain partnerships with statutory services, health providers, schools and the voluntary sector.
• Excellent leadership skills, with experience of managing teams and embedding best practice.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex data, identify needs and plan responsive services.
• Highly developed communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels and represent the council regionally and nationally.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring services are equitable, accessible and deliver best value for Harrow’s diverse communities.

For more information, please refer to Role profile/ Selection criteria

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other information

Support for candidates visit:Harrow.gov.uk Our behavioural indicators roles below G11 and above G11 Here at Harrow Council, the vision is one of 'Working together to make a difference for Harrow' Please click here to view Harrow Council's benefits

Important Note

To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in service provision, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. As such, we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.

As a disability-confident employer, we are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. This includes reasonably adjusting the recruitment process for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further information, please contact us at resourcing@harrow.gov.uk

London Borough of Harrow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Harrow operates stringent, safer recruitment procedures.

Due to the high number of applications received for some posts, we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Harrow redeployees will be given priority consideration.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, any your data protection rights, can be found by visiting www.cifas.org.uk/fpn