Service Manager - Adults Commissioning

• This is a senior role within the Adult Social Care Commissioning Service, leading and managing a team with a significant portfolio of commissioning activity.
• Based at County Hall in Taunton
• Hybrid working and flexible working options where possible
• 33 days annual leave (pro-rata for part-time staff)
• At Somerset Council, we are proud to support our frontline workers with access to innovative AI technology. Our greatest asset is our dedicated workforce, and we need to ensure we evolve with technology and new ways to invest in them. We’re currently utilising Magic Notes, which has proven to help social workers reduce the amount of time spent on administrative work, allowing them to focus on using their skillset and creativity to support our shared vision of improving the life chances and outcomes for adults in Somerset.

We are able to offer sponsorship for this role if you are already residing in the UK. As such, we are able to proceed with candidates who already have a sponsorship and are looking to apply this to a new opportunity if successful.

We are looking to recruit an experienced candidate to a Service Manager role within our Adult Social Care Commissioning Service to lead on a portfolio of commissioning activity focused on prevention, communities and community equipment.

The Service Manager will lead on the continued development of prevention focused services, and of our community services, across Adult Social Care. These services promote independence and wellbeing, providing information and support for self-management, fostering community resources and social engagement that enable people to live well within their communities. You will also oversee and develop services supported by grants, our Micro-Provider initiative, and joint contracts across Health and Social Care. This includes Community Equipment and Wheelchair Services, and our Somerset Connect model.

You will shape the future of prevention and community‑based support across Adult Social Care. You’ll take the lead on some of the most innovative, people‑focused work in Somerset — work that genuinely transforms how residents live, connect and stay independent.

Your day-to-day work will involve manging a team of Commissioners and Contract Mangers, and leading on a portfolio of commissioning that includes, but is not limited to:

• Preventive services, including our community and village agents.
• Community Equipment and Somerset Independent Living Centres (SILCs)
• Technology Enabled Care
• Promoting a flourishing market, including community led initiatives.

This role is ideal if you’re excited by the thought of influencing strategy and seeing the real‑world impact of your decisions every day. It’s hands‑on leadership that connects vision to action — and action to better lives.

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. You will need to have:

• Experience of leading and managing teams to deliver strategic objectives
• A thorough understanding of adult social care legislation, including the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act
• Knowledge of commissioning principles and practices in a local government or health setting
• Experience of working in partnership with health, voluntary, and community sector organisations
• A degree or equivalent qualification in social care, health, public policy, or a related field

At Somerset Council, we work hard to attract the best staff and we want to make sure that once you are on board, you are well supported and rewarded for the work you do.

• This grade offers 33 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and the option to request to buy up to 2 weeks additional annual leave pro rata
• Hybrid working options where the role allows
• A clear career pathway with apprenticeships, professional, leadership and academic programmes and qualifications, regular CPD opportunities and a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme
• A new comprehensive induction programme supported by Practice Development Advanced Practitioners, plus a confidential and impartial welcome call to ensure your induction goes smoothly
• Ongoing support & development opportunities – regular CPD events arranged and delivered by our dedicated Adult Social Care Learning and Development team, including an annual Carnival of Practice event with key speakers such as the Chief Social Worker, a team of Advanced Practitioner – Practice Development roles to support our workforce, personalised personal development plans, a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme.
• Local Government pension scheme
• Employee support networks that acknowledge and celebrate the richness of diversity and equality within our workforce
• Guaranteed Interview Schemes – Disability Confident, Veterans, Care Leavers
• Employee assistance and support offering a variety of wellbeing services and events to support a healthy work/life balance inc. a free online gym offer, dedicated Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors and much more!
• Relocation of up to £8,000, subject to meeting eligibility requirements.
• Access to the Blue Light Card which offers thousands of discounts online and on the high street
• My Staff Shop which offers a variety of discounts including; cinemas, shopping, restaurants, gym discounts and more!
• Discounted lease car options via salary sacrifice, along with discounts on fuel
• Cycle to work scheme

Due to the nature of the role and the geographical area of the service across Somerset, which is a largely rural county, with limitations around public transport the ability to be able to travel to any location is essential. Therefore, applicants must have full access to a vehicle that can be used for work purposes.

We recognise and welcome applications from disabled individuals who may require reasonable adjustments to meet this requirement, and we’re happy to discuss this from the first point of contact with the recruitment team.

This is a Grade 8 post with a current salary of £49,282 per annum.

We are a socially active council and run many webinars and events, team away days, volunteering opportunities plus, hold regular staff Q&A sessions. We encourage professional development and training to support your learning and aspirations. And there are also a variety of networking groups and activities that you can join.

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve so we will always welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our teams. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Stephen Miles (stephen.miles@somerset.gov.uk) or Iona Brimson (iona.brimson@somerset.gov.uk).

Interviews dates will be confirmed following the closure of applications.

Alongside your CV and application form, please include a personal statement explaining how you meet the requirements of the role. Your CV should provide a full employment history, and any gaps in employment explained.

If you have everything you need, just hit the apply button. We can’t wait to hear from you.

Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early if we have received a sufficient number of applications, so don't delay, apply today!

We are reclaiming narratives about social work and believe in the power of lived experiences of people (including workers) and sharing stories. To get a sense of this, listen to the Social Work Sessions podcast.

Somerset is situated in a beautiful, rural county in a central southwest location but with good city links. With scenic countryside, historic sites, charming towns and villages, family-friendly attractions, beaches, festivals (Glastonbury!) and events, outdoor activities, zoos, water parks and plenty of local produce to try, there’s something for everyone!

This post requires a criminal background check via the Disclosure procedure.