Service Director – Commissioning
Herefordshire Council
£95,460 - £100,571 (pay award pending)
Herefordshire is a beautiful and distinctive county, combining a historic cathedral city, market towns and villages and extensive rural communities. The county benefits from strong communities, an outstanding natural environment, a vibrant and diverse cultural offer, and partners determined to help people live well and independently.
Herefordshire is a council on an impressive improvement journey. Following significant progress in children’s services, government intervention ended in July, building on the improvements recognised by Ofsted earlier this year. At the same time, our ambitious “Big 4” vision for adult social care is driving a renewed focus on prevention, independence, partnership working and value for money. This is an exciting moment to join us and help shape the future of services for children, families, adults and communities across the county.
THE ROLE
This is a significant opportunity to shape how services are commissioned across Herefordshire, leading a truly all-age approach that supports children, families, adults and communities to thrive. As Service Director, you will establish the council as a leading commissioner, driving integrated and preventative approaches that improve outcomes, promote independence and deliver best value for residents.
You will lead strategic commissioning, market development, contract management, brokerage and resource functions, while building strong partnerships with the Integrated Care Board, providers, voluntary and community organisations, and people who use services. Working across health, care and community sectors, you will help develop innovative commissioning solutions that strengthen local services, reduce demand for higher-cost interventions and deliver sustainable improvement for Herefordshire’s communities.
This role would be well suited to commissioning leader with a strong record of delivering change, who is seeking their first appointment at director level. The successful candidate will bring commercial acumen, political awareness and the ability to galvanise colleagues and partners around a shared purpose. Above all, they will be inclusive, values-led and able to translate strategy into measurable improvements for Herefordshire’s residents, carers and communities.
INFORMATION
For further details, please click on the role profile and useful links below, or for more information please contact Tom Ripley (07701 217 520 or tom.ripley@starfishsearch.com) or John Pease (07511 106753 or john.pease@starfishsearch.com)
Role Profile Candidate PackTimeline
Closing Date: 20th September 2026
Longlist Meeting: 30th September 2026
Technical Interviews: 9th October 2026 (via Teams)
Final Interviews: 22nd October 2026 (in-person in Hereford)
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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