Senior Contract Manager

Job responsibilities

Key Job Responsibilities

Contract Management and Service Delivery

1. Lead the end-to-end contract management process for a defined portfolio of healthcare contracts.
2. Ensure contracts are effectively negotiated, drafted, implemented, and monitored in line with national and local NHS guidance and procurement regulations.
3. Monitor contract performance using KPIs and quality metrics, resolving issues proactively and escalating where appropriate.
4. Ensure all contracts reflect appropriate financial values and activity schedules, including alignment with national tariff changes.
5. Support annual planning and contracting rounds, ensuring timely and accurate contract agreements.
6. Lead the identification and mitigation of contractual and financial risks across managed contracts.
7. Lead on the delivery and monitoring of savings for the contract management team, contributing to the Trusts financial plan.

Advisory and Analytical Responsibilities

1. Provide expert contractual advice and guidance to internal stakeholders, supporting operational teams to interpret contractual obligations.
2. Provide Business Intelligence and make judgements with Finance colleagues to inform contract monitoring, validation, and forecasting processes.
3. Analyse highly complex management information and present their findings to senior management teams.
4. Contribute to the preparation of high-quality reports and briefings for senior stakeholders, committees, and boards.
5. Responsible for the development on the contract management function in the Trusts e-procurement system (Atamis).

Governance and Compliance

1. In depth specialist knowledge in contract management and ensure Trust compliance with procurement policy and legislation (Procurement Act 2023, Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and Provider Selection Regime 2024).
2. Ensure all contract management processes comply with Trust Standing Financial Instructions, relevant national policy, and audit requirements.
3. Responsible for developing standard operating procedures for the contract management function which will be implemented by the Trust.
4. Undertake contract audits for all high-risk contracts.

People Management and Leadership

1. Work autonomously and interpret policy and procedures within the contract management function.
2. Provide direct line management to the Band 7 Contract Manager, including objective setting, appraisal, training, recruitment, staff performance and professional development.
3. Deputise for the Head of Contract Management as required at internal or external forums, representing the Trust confidently when delegated.
4. Support workforce development by role-modelling professional standards in contract management and coaching colleagues.

Communication, Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management

1. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with key suppliers and partners.
2. Represent the Trust in external contract management and negotiation forums where required.
3. Communicate highly complex contractual and financial risks clearly to senior colleagues and provide evidence-based recommendations.
4. Present highly complex and sensitive contractual information at senior management level.
5. Build credibility with clinical, financial, and operational leaders through effective communication and influencing skills.

Training & Qualifications

Essential

• Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., procurement, business administration, contract management) or equivalent senior level experience.
• Understanding of relevant legislation, procurement law, and national policy frameworks affecting NHS contracting.
• Evidence of continuing professional development in contracting, procurement, or NHS management

Desirable

• Chartered membership of CIPS or equivalent leadership or management qualification

Experience

Essential

• Extensive experience of contract management within the NHS or a large complex organisation.
• Extensive experience leading on contract negotiation, drafting and monitoring.
• Extensive experience of interpreting and implementing NHS standard contracts and national tariff guidance.
• Direct line management of staff, including objective setting, mentoring appraisal and staff development.
• Experience of deputising for senior managers, providing cover at internal and external forums.

Desirable

• Experience working in healthcare provider contract management
• Experience of collaborative working with commissioning bodies or Integrated Care Systems

Communication and Relationship Skills

Essential

• Extensive strong negotiation, influencing and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate highly complex, sensitive and contentious information.
• Ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders across boundaries.
• Significant skillset in challenging performance/non-compliance constructively.

Desirable

• Experience of presenting at committees or boards

Analytical and Judgement Skills

Essential

• Extensive ability to interpret complex data and contractual information to support decision making.
• Extensive experience of financial and risk analysis in a contracting environment.
• Ability to evaluate commercial opportunities, cost-benefit cases, and options appraisals.

Planning and Organisation Skills

Essential

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under pressure.
• Significant experience of implementing contract governance or performance monitoring processes.
• Ability to plan and lead complex projects or contract transitions.
• Ability to develop systems or processes that enhance contract oversight.

Physical Skills

Essential

• Ability to work at a computer for prolonged periods.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and contract management systems.
• Ability to use e-procurement, reporting or analytics tools.

Other requirements specific to the role

Essential

• Commitment to continuous improvement and collaborative working.
• Ability to travel between Trust sites and attend external meetings. Ability to work autonomously with responsibility for a portfolio of high-value or complex contracts.
• Demonstrates resilience and adaptability under pressure.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).