Market Shaping Manager - Adult Care

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 advance our approach to innovative, evidenced based commissioning, driving the delivery of positive outcomes for the people of Lincolnshire, in a compliant and efficient way.

To help us achieve this, we are seeking an exceptional and experienced manager with a proven track record in commissioning, market strategy, shaping and development combined with a robust understanding of adult social care markets, market economics and workforce challenges.

In supporting the establishment of our new high performing, innovative, evidenced based commissioning function, the Market Shaping Manager will influence the development and delivery of a proactive, sustainable and diverse adult care market which meets current and future needs, and in doing so, delivers our Care Act market‑shaping and provider sustainability duties.

The Market Shaping Manager will establish robust working relationships, collaborating internally, across the care system and with the care market. They will lead a proactive and direct approach to market shaping, maximising a range of levers including utilising robust data, intelligence and quality insight, to anticipate risk, influence commissioning decisions and assure the Council of market stability, capacity, safety and performance.

The manager will lead the Strategic Commissioning intelligence and reporting function to provide meaningful insights which anticipate emerging pressures, informs commissioning and market-shaping decisions, and provides a comprehensive understanding, as well as assurance on demand, supply, capacity, market stability, sufficiency, performance, cost and risks.

The Market Shaping Manager will embrace joint responsibility as a key member of the senior management team, for establishing the new service, embedding new ways of working and fostering a supportive, learning culture.

What we are looking for:

• Someone with a professional degree level qualification in a relevant discipline, such as commissioning, research, planning, business management or equivalent knowledge and substantial experience across adult social care commissioning or strategy. Along with a management qualification or significant experience in a management role.
• Significant experience in commissioning, market development or strategy. Demonstrating a robust understanding of adult social care markets, market economics, workforce challenges, and market‑shaping and sustainability duties under the Care Act.
• A proven ability to evidence effective outcomes through intelligence led market shaping, development, growth and innovation. With experience of leading on the design and implementation of flexible, creative and imaginative approaches, which underpin continuous improvement.
• Someone with advanced analytical and technical capability, with experience of developing and using business intelligence, reporting and analytical tools to bring together complex qualitative and quantitative information from multiple sources.
• Ability to translate complex data into meaningful strategic insight, identify trends, risks and opportunities, and communicate these clearly to support senior decision-making, commissioning and market development.
• Advanced interpersonal, relationship and communication skills with the proven ability to collaborate, persuade, negotiate and influence at a senior level and with partners, stakeholders, markets, practitioners and service users.

Why join us?

• Shape the future and make a real difference: You will translate strategic vision into reality, and through supporting the delivery of the end-to-end commissioning cycle, 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 Dionne Soonthornsaratoon via email Dionne.Soonthornsaratoon@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Closing date: 27/09/26.

Interview date: 12/10/26.

NOTE: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, details your applicable experience and 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.