Commissioning Manager - Adults' Services

Working Hours: 35 Hours per Week
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Closing Date: 2 July 2025
Closing Time: 11.59pm
Interview Method: In Person

This Role is Subject to -

• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here. We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders and it is available upon request.   

• Evidence of conduct in previous employment concerned with the provision of services relating to. Health or social care or Children or vulnerable adults

  Proof of identity including a recent photograph  

  Full Employment history

The Mental Health Commissioning Team works to ensure that people in Manchester with a mental health need get the social care support they require. We commission new services, work with providers and with colleagues in the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH).

We are advertising two roles, one permanent and one temporary for 12 months. The permanent role focusses on supporting the process of commissioning care, making sure that processes are streamlined and followed and that our busy team works in a co-ordinated way to unblock issues and find solutions so that people get the care they need and our service providers are also supported.

We have a new framework for supported living service providers that went live in April 2025. This has meant significant change for providers and for our systems and processes. You can play a central part in supporting this change.

You will need to have strong leadership, organisational and people management skills to make a success of either role.

We need candidates who can communicate with colleagues across the health and social care system and with service providers, both in writing in person.

You will need to be proactive and solutions focussed with great problem solving skills and the tenacity to see knotty issues through to a resolution

You do not need to have commissioning experience, so it is a great opportunity for someone who wants to move into Commissioning.

For an informal discussion contact: Liz Goodger or Kelly Baxendale, Senior Commissioning Managers

We are looking for candidates with effective communication skills who can demonstrate a record of achieving positive change through collaboration with a range of stakeholders in a complex system.

As this is a management post, candidates will have management experience and will be comfortable in leading and representing the work of the directorate and organisation and supporting staff within the team and across the function.

The technical elements of the role mean candidates will be proficient in research methods and collecting a wide range of financial and commissioning data alongside its analysis and representation in various Microsoft Office applications, particularly excel.

An understanding of budgetary management and the importance of this and how we may use this in different ways.

A good knowledge of legal frameworks which operate in Adult Social Care for citizens with Mental Health support needs.

A good understanding of the how government departments operate would be an advantage

Working in a hybrid way across the city and from home will apply to this position

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities. 

Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone. 

Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city – a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:

• We take time to listen and understand
• We work together and trust each other
• We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
• We ‘own it’ and we’re not afraid to try new things
• We’re proud and passionate about Manchester

Benefits we offer

Generous holiday allowance 

Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks. 

A buzzing pension 

You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum. 

Enhanced parental and carers leave 

Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your newborn or support your family during critical life events. 

Brilliant perks 

Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more. 

Learn and grow 

We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process. 

A Good Employment Charter member 

We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life. 

Up to 3 days volunteering leave 

Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits. 

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council 

At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people. 

Support During the Process

• Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
• Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone.

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:

• Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
• Current or former care leavers
• Have a disability or long-term condition

When You Join Us 

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering:

• A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
• A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email [email protected]. 

What we will need from you if you’re successful 

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.  

Pre-Employment Checks 

If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for. As a guide, these checks may include:

• Proof of Right to Work: You’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK. Please note, visa sponsorship is not guaranteed for this role.
• References: We’ll request references from your current and previous employer(s)
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: A criminal record check may be necessary, depending on the role.

These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve. 

Other relevant information 

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role. 

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