Contract Manager – Adult Care and Community Wellbeing

Job Introduction

We are establishing a new Strategic Commissioning Service, within our Adult Care Directorate and are ambitious about our plans to invest in and develop, an innovative function which drives the delivery of sustainable, value‑for‑money outcomes that meet the current and future needs for the people of Lincolnshire.

The new Service will operate across the full end to end commissioning cycle and in order to deliver this we are seeking exceptional contract managers who are commercially astute and able to provide strategic leadership ensuring statutory compliance, financial sustainability, quality assurance and resilient markets.

Expected to work across the full scope of the Service, under the direction of our Strategic Contract Assurance and Improvement Manager, you will take the lead responsibility around a portfolio of complex and high-risk adult care and community wellbeing contracts.

Our Contract Managers will also collaboratively lead the development, implementation and review of contract management strategies, quality assurance frameworks and performance management processes to raise the quality-of-service provision, ensuring continuous improvement is a built-in feature of our commissioned services.

How our team works is just as important to us and you will be expected to embrace joint responsibility as a key member of the senior management team, for establishing the new function, embedding new ways of working and fostering a supportive, caring and learning culture.

What we are looking for:

• Someone who is an expert procurement and commissioning professional, educated to degree level in a relevant discipline or who can demonstrate equivalent knowledge through experience, and also is an experienced manager who can demonstrate how they get the best from their team to successfully deliver intended outcomes.
• In depth knowledge and experience specifically in relation to local government, health services and the provider market for all types of adult care and well-being services. This should encompass strategic commissioning processes, partnership arrangements and relevant legislation and trends.
• A proven ability to operate effectively at a strategic level with exceptional communication, relationship and commercial skills, combined with an analytical, evidence-based approach to support informed decision making and continuous improvement.

Why join us?

• Shape the future and make a real difference: You will drive robust contract management, integrated commissioning, effective partnership working and service transformation to improve outcomes and optimise Council resources. In doing so your work will directly contribute to improving lives across Lincolnshire.
• Work in a dynamic supportive environment: In joining the Strategic Commissioning Service you can be guaranteed a warm welcome and will be surrounded by a friendly, supportive caring and compassionate team, dedicated to ensuring success.
• Know you are at the heart of our organisation: We believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we offer a rewarding package designed to support your work–life balance, health and wellbeing, financial security, and career growth. Find out more about our offer to you in the attached brochure.
• Be recognised for your contribution: Along with a competitive salary, we also offer a contributory pension, a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent discount schemes and cycle to work; flexible working policies; career progression opportunities; a generous annual leave entitlement, plus the option to buy more; and a relocation package may be considered for the successful candidate -more details relating to our Relocation Policy can be found here.

If you would like an open and informal discussion regards this role then please contact Rachel West via email rachel.west@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Closing date: 27/09/26.

Interviews will be held on 06/10/26 and 09/10/26.

PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, your applicable experience, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.

Refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Please also note: once an application is submitted it is final and cannot be amended. If you withdraw your application, it cannot be reinstated and you will not be able to submit another application for that vacancy. If you have an issue with your submitted application, please contact recruitment@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

Due to recent changes in immigration law in the UK we are unable to offer skilled worker visa sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the requirements.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council 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.

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base, and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary. Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Fluency Duty

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.