Market Shaping Manager - Adult Care

We are looking for an experienced manager who can connect evidence, people and partnerships to shape the future of care and support across Lincolnshire.

Our new Strategic Commissioning Service brings together commissioning, procurement, contract management, care sourcing and market development to strengthen how we plan, develop and secure care and support across Lincolnshire. We are building a more proactive, evidence-led approach that connects peoples needs and aspirations with commissioning decisions, investment and the development of a sustainable care and support market.

As our Market Shaping Manager, you will join at an important stage, with the opportunity to bring your ideas, influence priorities and help establish new ways of working. You will lead and develop a team, build strong relationships across the care system and turn evidence and strategic ambitions into practical developments that improve the support and choices available to people.

About the role

The successful candidate will

Lead market oversight, development activity and practical planning; responding to gaps, future needs and opportunities, and evaluating their impact.

Work with colleagues, providers and partners to encourage innovation, investment and high-quality, sustainable care and support.

Ensure people drawing on care and support, unpaid carers and communities influence priorities and service development.

Lead Strategic Commissioning intelligence and reporting, providing clear insight into demand, supply, capacity, quality, performance, costs and risks.

Anticipate workforce and financial pressures affecting providers and help develop effective responses.

Lead and support your team, helping colleagues develop their strengths, establish priorities and build confidence in new ways of working. As part of the services management team, you will contribute to a supportive environment where people share ideas, learn together and take pride in their work.

Support the Councils Care Act responsibilities across the wider care market, including services used by people arranging and funding their own care.

We are looking for an experienced manager who can combine commissioning expertise, sound judgement and effective leadership to shape Lincolnshires care and support market.

You will bring

Commissioning and market development experience: significant experience across the commissioning cycle, including practical responsibility for shaping and developing adult care provision.

A strong understanding of care markets: in-depth knowledge of regulated and non-regulated provision, market economics, provider business models and workforce pressures, supported by strong commercial and financial understanding.

Evidence of delivery: a track record of using intelligence to lead market development, innovation or service change, with clear outcomes and measurable benefits.

Analytical capability and judgement: the ability to interpret complex quantitative and qualitative evidence, anticipate future needs, manage market and financial risks, and make clear strategic recommendations.

Effective people leadership: comprehensive experience managing staff and leading teams to advance outcomes-based commissioning, support professional development and deliver competing priorities.

Relationship and influencing skills: experience working across health and care systems, communicating and negotiating at a senior level, and securing change through collaboration.

Relevant knowledge: sound understanding of Care Act market-shaping and sustainability duties, adult social care legislation and regulation, and the wider policy and political context for commissioning.

A commitment to inclusive commissioning: ensuring peoples experiences influence market development, with a clear commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and social value.

Your experience may have been gained under a different role title. Please use your application to show how your skills, experience and achievements meet the job description and person specification.

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 full 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. Thats why we offer a rewarding package designed to support your worklife balance, health and wellbeing, financial security, and career growth -with opportunities for ongoing professional development across commissioning and adult care. 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 [email protected]

Closing date: 4th November 2026

Interview dates: WC 16th November

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 [email protected].

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. Were 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.