Head of Brokerage

Job Information

Interim & Executive Management

City Waltham Forest

Province Waltham Forest

Postal Code E17

Job Description 3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To lead and manage the Brokerage Service, ensuring the effective commissioning and delivery of high-quality, person-centred social care services. The role is responsible for matching individuals with appropriate care and support, achieving value for money, and driving continuous service improvement.

This position will play a pivotal role in the transformation of the brokerage function, leading operational change across processes, systems, structure, and governance to improve efficiency, performance, and outcomes for residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of a high-performing brokerage service, ensuring individuals are matched with appropriate care packages that promote independence and positive outcomes.
• Drive the transformation programme for brokerage, implementing improvements to systems, processes, governance, and service design.
• Oversee the commissioning and ongoing management of care placements and packages, ensuring quality and value for money.
• Maintain tight financial control of commissioned spend, identifying savings and efficiencies while maintaining service quality.
• Lead complex negotiations with providers to secure cost-effective and high-quality services.
• Develop and manage relationships with providers, partners, stakeholders, and senior leaders, including handling politically sensitive matters.
• Oversee market intelligence gathering and analysis to inform commissioning strategies and decision-making.
• Monitor service performance, identify improvement opportunities, and implement changes to enhance delivery.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, safeguarding requirements, and council policies.
• Manage risks effectively, ensuring appropriate governance and escalation processes are in place.
• Lead, motivate, and develop a multidisciplinary team, ensuring high performance and continuous professional development.
• Contribute to wider strategic planning, policy development, and the council's social care objectives.
• Ensure excellent customer service, responding effectively to complaints, feedback, and enquiries.
• Promote collaborative working across services and with external partners to deliver integrated care solutions.

Requirements

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in social care brokerage, commissioning, or a related field.
• Proven track record of leading complex transformation programmes and business change initiatives.
• Strong understanding of health and social care systems, including the needs of older people, young people, and individuals with disabilities.
• Extensive experience in contract management, procurement, and supplier relationship management.
• Demonstrable success in negotiating high-value, complex agreements.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget control and delivering cost efficiencies.
• Experience managing teams, including performance management, development, and workforce planning.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes under pressure.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data management, reporting, and performance monitoring.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills, including working with senior leaders and elected members.
• In-depth knowledge of safeguarding, relevant legislation, and quality assurance frameworks.
• High level of IT proficiency, including case management and financial systems.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.