About this role
Job summary
We are looking for an exceptional Director of Strategic Commissioning to join South East and South West London ICBs working together as an Integrated Care Board cluster. This role will be pivotal for the clustered ICBs as they refocus on strategic commissioning for a population of 3.8 million people with a commissioning budget of £4.75 billion for South East London and £4.3 billion for South West London.
The successful candidate must have the experience and capability to lead and inspire others to seize the opportunities of a period of transformation for ICBs. They will need the determination and discipline to make sure strategic and operational plans address local need, drive out inequality, deliver value for money and secure improved outcomes for local residents across our boroughs. In doing so they will have the vision and ambition to realise the potential of neighbourhood working, population health management and digital technology, and will align the commissioning process to deliver the Governments three strategic shifts: from treatment to prevention, from hospital to community, and from analogue to digital.
We would love to hear from candidates with commissioning expertise, a proven track record of successful strategic leadership, and who are excited by the possibilities of this complex and challenging role across the second largest ICB footprint in the country.
Main duties of the job
Commissioning end to end care pathways, inclusive of care pathway redesign and service specification.
Leading, convening and coordinating a significant part of the ICB's strategic and operational planning process as a key member of the Leadership team in the Commissioning Directorate.
Securing market development and management and utilisation management approaches to deliver on the commissioning portfolio.
Leading and overseeing the contracting and payment mechanisms to secure delivery.
Effective monitoring and management of operational delivery and performance.
Ensuring the effective development of strategic commissioning capabilities within the Directorate and wider organisation.
About us
In 2025, the boards of NHS South East London ICB and NHS South West London ICB took the decision to enter into a clustering arrangement. This means that we share a chair, chief executive officer and an executive team, but we remain as separate, statutory organisations.
This also means that the ICBs will share some teams, who will be working across both organisations. Some teams will also be working across both geographical areas and integrated care systems.
This is a period of change for the NHS. The Government's 10 Year Health Plan presents an ambitious vision for a future NHS, with emphasis on the three 'shifts' - from hospital to community, from analogue to digital, and from cure to prevention - all underpinning the new neighbourhood health service.
ICBs are also changing, with a clear focus on strategic commissioning and delivering neighbourhood working. This is an exciting time to work within our ICBs. We currently have the opportunity both to shape the future of our clustered organisations, and to be part of a radical transformation of care for the local people and communities across south London.
And while our two ICBs are different in some ways, improving lives for the people we serve is at the core of what we are both here to do.
Please note as you can only be employed by one ICB, this job description refers to 'the 'ICB', but your role may cover both ICB organisations, and / or geographical areas.
Job description Job responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details of the duties and responsibilities of the role.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Training Essential
Educated to masters level with additional in depth professional knowledge in a range of disciplines over a significant period Evidence of post qualifying and continuous professional development Experience of working in a board committee and evidence of influencing decision making accordingly Experience of senior level decision making and delivery in an ambiguous and changing environment Understanding of commissioning services performed by the ICB and experience of managing complex Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and external providers, across a wide range of organisations
Desirable
Programme Management qualifications
Experience and Understanding Essential
Extensive experience, expertise and understanding of performance and change management, business planning, budget setting, monitoring and contracting processes, in a health setting. Experience of developing and delivering a clear business plan, strategy and vision and of making difficult and challenging decisions to support strategy and vision A record of significant achievement in directing and managing the delivery and improvement of services within a complex and diverse organisation Significant experience of developing and delivering healthcare reform and innovation that offers patients greater choice and improved services Must have an understanding of the background to and aims of current healthcare policy in London and appreciate the implications of this on engagement Should have an appreciation of the relationship between the Department of Health, NHS England (London) and individual provider and commissioning organisations Understanding of the dynamics within business arena and balance against political environment Broad experience of leading teams of professional staff within a performance management culture Experience of analysing the business environment and of developing strategies to meet changing organisational leads Experience of collaborative working across organisational boundaries and levels and with different professional groups In depth understanding of national health priorities e.g. NHS England's Five Year Forward View and how to translate into practice Experience of inter-agency working and the development of joint projects
Skills and Abilities Essential
The ability to identify, define, promote, communicate and achieve clear organisational values and goals, effective management processes, and rational and timely decision taking The ability to work in partnership with lead clinicians and health care professionals within and outside the ICB and a partnership approach to working across organisations. The ability to analyse highly complex issues, to think and plan to achieve both tactical and strategic objectives, and to exercise sound judgement in the face of conflicting pressures Ability to analyse and interpret complex / highly complex data and information to identify significant trends and to inform clinical decision-making (review pathways and redesign where applicable Well-developed oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate highly complex, highly sensitive and highly contentious information and issues effectively with a range of stakeholders where there are significant barriers to acceptance which need to be overcome. Ability to present information, in both formal and informal settings, to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including those at board level which may be potentially hostile and antagonistic. Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and influencing skills and able to work effectively with staff at all levels, particularly those who may hold differing / contentious views Demonstrates an ability to manage conflict and build consensus: facilitating problem solving and collaboration among various parties Able to create a compelling vision for the future and communicating this within and across multiple organisations. Able to create impact and demonstrate proactive stakeholder relationships. Demonstrable ability to create constructive teams within organisation Ability to develop and maintain credibility and to garner respect and confidence of staff and colleagues, internally and externally The skills to evaluate and learn from outcomes, with a clear commitment to innovation, learning and improvement. Effectiveness in conflict resolution and management. Strong people and motivation skills Leadership style that embraces collaborative working and the ability to coach, motivate and develop others Able to contribute to the strategy and aspirations of the organisation and act in a manner consistent with its values Successful record of managing change in a complex organisation Ability to effectively manage the output of suppliers, partners and other organisations
Other Essential
Stamina, energy and enthusiasm and the ability to work effectively under pressure Drive and challenge each key working relationship to innovate and achieve change to meet agreed objectives Outstanding leadership influencing, negotiating and interpersonal skills The breadth of outlook and political skill necessary to establish effective working relationships with staff at all levels within and outside the organisation A collaborative management style, which recognises and values personal contributions and agenda and encourages team working Manage potentially aggressive and/or antagonistic situations with stakeholders within the system/ ICB footprint to achieve successful outcomes Willingness to listen and ability to challenge processes, ideas and existing practice across all healthcare sectors where these could be improved or where best practice can be applied Excellent team player who understands and appreciates the benefits of a diverse workforce and recognises the value in different styles, approaches and contributions The temperament and ability to act effectively in highly emotive situations
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name NHS South East London Integrated Care Board
Address 160 Tooley Street
160 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2TZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.selondonics.org/ (Opens in a new tab)