Assistant Director People Commissioning
City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Salary £99,433 to £112,411
Bradford is a district on the rise: ambitious, confident and determined to deliver lasting change. With one of Europe’s youngest and most diverse populations, Bradford’s potential is huge. Following a brilliant year as UK City of Culture, the city is channelling its energy into a bold, long-term plan to create fairer opportunities and stronger communities. We are transforming places, strengthening neighbourhoods, reshaping public services and improving outcomes across the district. We are seeking energetic, forward‑thinking and inspirational leaders who can harness this momentum and play a key role in shaping one of the UK’s most important urban transformation journeys.
THE ROLE
The Assistant Director People Commissioning is a system-shaping leadership role with responsibility spanning the full life course, working across Adults, Children’s and Public Health services. It brings together strategic commissioning, business support, performance and improvement into a single, integrated function that underpins the delivery of services across the system.
The role operates at significant scale. Bradford holds one of the largest public health grant allocations in the country, creating a major opportunity to shape population health, reduce inequalities and ensure that resources are targeted where they will have the greatest impact. Commissioning responsibilities extend across the full life course, requiring a strong understanding of need, markets and outcomes.
A key focus of the role is strengthening performance, assurance and continuous improvement with the Assistant Director sitting at the heart of our ambition for data driven commissioning. You will play a central role in ensuring that data, insight and evidence are used effectively to drive decision-making, improve quality and deliver value for money. This includes close working with senior colleagues to support system-wide improvement and ensure a strong grip on performance across services.
The role also leads critical business support functions, ensuring that systems, processes and governance are robust, efficient and aligned to organisational priorities. There is a clear expectation to modernise how services are commissioned and supported, making the best use of Bradford’s analytical capability and driving a more strategic, outcome-focused approach.
You will work collaboratively across the council and with NHS commissioners and providers to design integrated health and care pathways, align systems, and strengthen joint working under Section 75 arrangements. You will also build capacity within the voluntary and community sector, supporting early help and prevention and enabling citizens to have greater control through personalised services, direct payments and choice‑led models of care.
This is a significant leadership opportunity for someone with the vision, credibility and determination to help shape Bradford’s future and deliver better outcomes for all those accessing our social care services.
Bradford Council - Assistant Director People Commissioning Candidate Pack
INFORMATION
For further details, please click on the role profile and useful links below, or for more information please contact Tim Farr on 07756 293292 or tim.farr@starfishsearch.com
DOWNLOAD Role Profile Structure ChartTimeline
Closing Date: 26th April 2026
Longlisting: 29th April 2026
Technical Interviews: 11th May 2026
Shortlisting: w/c 18th May 2026
Final Panel: w/c 25th May 2026
Useful Links
How to apply
To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:
- Your CV (no more than three sides of A4).
- A supporting statement (no more than three sides of A4) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.
If our client is a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and you would like to apply under the scheme, please state that clearly at the top of your supporting statement, along with any adjustments you require to be made if invited for interview.
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