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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Head of System Flow - Gloucestershire - **Company:** Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB - **Location:** Gloucester, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** £66,582.0 - £77,368.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Computer Literacy, Desktop Computing, Digital Technology, Microsoft Office - **Published:** October 17, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/details/5931882085 ## About the Role * Educated to masters level or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist area. * Extensive knowledge of specialist areas, acquired through post graduate diploma or equivalent experience or training plus further specialist knowledge or experience to master's level equivalent * Evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development * Must have an understanding of the background to and aims of current healthcare policy and appreciate the implications of this on engagement * A strong understanding of the relationship between NHS organisations and wider system, regional and national organisations. * Demonstrates good overall digital literacy, with the ability to confidently use computers and digital systems required for day-to-day work * Member of relevant professional body, if applicable. Communication Essential * Developed communication skills for delivering key messages to a range of stakeholders both internal and external (including outside the NHS) to the organisation, some at very senior level. * Good presentational skills for conveying complex concepts. * Ability to use informed persuasion to influence others. Analytical Essential * Ability to identify risks, anticipate issues and create solutions and to resolve problems in relation to project or service delivery. * Ability to understand a broad range of complex information quickly and making decisions where opinions differ/no obvious solution Planning Skills Essential * Evidence of planning and delivering programmes and projects and services on time. Management Skills Essential * Abilities for financial and staff management. Autonomy Essential * Ability to work without supervision, providing specialist advice to the organisation, working to tight and often changing timescales. Interpreting national policy for implementation Physical Skills Essential * Working knowledge of Microsoft Office with intermediate keyboard skills. Equality and Diversity Essential * Needs to have a thorough understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems. Financial & Physical Resources Essential * Previously responsible for a budget, involved in budget setting and working knowledge of financial processes. Other Essential * Team working skills * Self-motivated * Ability to move between details and the bigger picture. * Demonstrates honesty and integrity and promotes organisational values. * Embrace change, viewing it as an opportunity to learn and develop Disclosure and Barring Service Check ## Description This is an exciting opportunity to lead system flow commissioning and provider oversight across Gloucestershire, helping to improve outcomes, reduce pressure across pathways and support a resilient, integrated health and care system. As Head of System Flow, you will lead the day-to-day commissioning of a defined portfolio of services, translating strategic priorities into deliverable, outcome-based specifications and effective commissioning plans. Working across organisational boundaries, you will connect system-level commissioning with place-based teams, providers, clinicians and other partners to ensure plans, contracts and operational delivery remain aligned. You will use performance, quality, demand and financial intelligence to shape decisions, identify risks and variation, and drive improvement. The role also provides senior leadership across complex programmes, provider performance, governance, resources and workforce, with a strong focus on quality, value for money and better outcomes for local populations. Main duties of the job The postholder will: Lead the day-to-day commissioning and oversight of services within an agreed portfolio. Develop, implement and manage robust, outcome-based service specifications with providers, clinicians and system partners. Monitor provider performance against operational standards and contractual requirements, identifying risks, variation and opportunities for improvement. Coordinate relevant elements of the Cluster Operational Plan, tracking milestones and aligning commissioning, contracts and operational delivery. Act as a key link between system commissioning and place-based teams to support priorities that improve system flow and pathway resilience. Develop meaningful reporting with analysts and partners, using performance, quality, demand and financial information to inform decisions. Lead programmes, improvement initiatives and complex workstreams, managing interdependencies, risks, resources and delivery. Build effective relationships, represent commissioning in system forums and negotiate confidently on complex or sensitive issues. Manage budgets and staff, support procurement and deliver agreed benefits, quality and value for money. About us We are committed to creating an inclusive organisation that promotes and values diversity. We know from experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger, more creative workplace that helps us to deliver the best services. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community; from people of all ages, disabled people, all genders, people from ethnic minority groups, LGBTQ+ people, people with diverse gender identity and expression, people from all religions and beliefs and other diverse characteristics, and we have processes in place to ensure that all applications are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process., You will provide senior commissioning leadership for defined pathways, providers or service portfolios, ensuring services are planned, specified, procured and overseen in line with strategic objectives and local priorities. You will translate policy, population need and operational intelligence into evidence-based plans and outcome-focused service specifications, while maintaining effective governance and clear reporting. You will analyse complex performance, quality, activity, demand and financial information; identify risks and unwarranted variation; and agree improvement action through appropriate contract and governance routes. You will lead workstreams and programmes, prepare business cases and reports, manage dependencies and contingency arrangements, and ensure delivery remains timely, affordable and outcome focused. The role requires confident engagement with senior internal and external stakeholders, including negotiation on complex or contentious matters. You will manage budgets, support procurement, oversee staff and resources, and promote continuous improvement, inclusion and partnership working. You will also deputise for senior leaders when required and ensure compliance with relevant governance, information, financial, safeguarding, risk and organisational requirements. Knowledge, Training and Experience Essential