Job summary
An opportunity has arisen to join the Commissioning and Business Support Team at University Hospitals Sussex. Sitting within the Finance Directorate, the team is responsible for heading up all commissioner engagement for the organisation, taking the lead in key negotiations with commissioners and linking with teams across the organisation in delivery of commissioned services.
Reporting in to the Assistant Director of Commissioning and Business Support, the Head of Commissioning and Business Support is responsible for the implementation and management of all clinical services contracts and subcontracts with commissioners, NHS and non-NHS providers, including services delivered by the Trust private provider arm. This includes management of key relationships with commissioners, provider contracting leads, Trust operational leads and wider corporate teams ensuring continued engagement in delivery of the Trust organisational objectives and system operating plans
Main duties of the job
- The overall management and performance of clinical services contracts including risk management, resolution and appropriate escalation via contractual processes and delivery of CQUINs
- Submission of bids and tenders for provision of clinical services and identification of invitations to tender on publication
- Ensuring the efficiency, effectiveness, integrity and business focus of financial systems and processes.
- Investigating and advising on highly complex issues
- Leading on providing strategic financial and business planning advice in relation to commissioning and contracting and ensuring value for money to the organisation via appropriate contracting arrangements
- Ensuring continued engagement with CCG, NHS England, provider contracting leads and Primary Care Networks via GP liaison
- Promoting a culture of continuous improvement in the Finance Department
- The Assistant Director of Commissioning will work as a member of the senior finance management team alongside the Deputy Finance Director and other Assistant Directors. Portfolios can be interchangeable between Assistant Directors by agreement and there is an expectation that the Head of Commissioning and Business Support will be able to work across all disciplines should the need arise.
- The Head of Commissioning and Business Support will deputise for the Assistant Director of Commissioning and Business Support in their absence and when requested.
About us
Join us atUHSussex, every day is different, you can be the change, better neverstops
AtUHSussexwe're proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of theUK's largest acute Trusts, we're a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Improving lives:We are a vibrant and inclusive organisation, with hardworking, talented and dedicated individuals, who work together towards a common goal, to always put ourPatient First.Our mission is summed up by our 'where better never stops' motto and no matter the role atUHSussex, you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourwellbeing programmefor staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need itbecausewe know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
Build a career with us: As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Communications and Relationship skills - (Factor 1)
- Production of complex financial reports to be presented at public meetings and various internal meetings, including Trust Executive Committee, Finance and Performance Committee, communicating Trust financial performance, reasons for underlying performance and actions being taken to address any under-performance. Reports may also require the explanation of complex technical accounting concepts in ways that can be understood by non-financial managers and members of the public.
- Oversee the provision of contracting/commissioning advice and business support to operational Divisions. Work with Divisions in financial difficulties to develop and agree recovery plans; persuading, negotiating and influencing where necessary to ensure that achievement of financial targets and operational performance are balanced, and risk is mitigated via contractual provision where possible.
- Ensure advertised market engagement and invitations to tender are communicated to the organisation appropriately, submitting any resulting bids following appropriate approvals via the Trust Standing Financial Instructions
- Regular liaison with GP and Primary Care stakeholders and establishment of engagement strategy as required.
- Establishment of contract management governance structure with commissioners and providers and implementation of contract management reviews and associated reporting to Trust Executive
- Lead on advice to credit control teams and Trust Executive as required on resolution of any contractual disputes, including direct resolution of issues with contractual parties in line with contractual provisions for dispute resolution.
- Analytical and Judgemental skills - (Factor 3)
- Analyse and interpret highly complex multi-faceted financial information and other evidence, for example in relation to contractual disputes and contracting models including financial forecasts and detailed estimation of risk in relation to contractual relationships in order to recommend an approach to Trust Board or Trust Executive Committee.
- Analyse options for improving financial performance at a Trust level in relation to contractual models and strategy with system partners and make recommendations to the Finance and Investment Committee about actions required to deliver quarterly and annual financial targets within this context.
- Act as expert adviser to the Finance Director in relation to appropriate contractual models, service reconfiguration and contractual disputes / risk, including value for money review of contract envelopes in relation to delivery of the wider Trust financial strategy.
- Planning and Organisational skills - (Factor 4)
- Plan, organise and oversee the delivery of annual objectives for the finance functions for which the post-holder has responsibility.
- Lead the development of the clinical services contract management strategy in relation to the annual financial plan for the Trust taking into account potential changes in funding availability or financial performance ensuring consistency with the Trusts clinical strategy and Patient First priorities.
- Prepare contract value and risk forecasts for the Trust in relation to clinical services contracts for the quarter and the year taking into account current contractual performance and projected changes in performance, including mitigation for risks identified using contractual provisions.
- Manage the workload of the commissioning team to ensure that statutory, mandatory and internal deadlines are met, making decisions about the resourcing of tasks where there may be conflicting priorities.
- To be responsible for the commissioning team input into service reconfiguration and development plans.
- To provide contracting and commissioning advice to support business cases and provide guidance and advice to the Trust Leadership and management teams as required.
- Patient/ Client Care - (Factor 6)
- Provided assistance to patients and service users as required e.g. when dealing with queries or complaints.
- Policy and Service Development Implementation - (Factor 7)
- Develop financial policies across the areas of functional responsibility in the Directorate.
- Lead and oversee the implementation of financial policies across the Trust in relation to clinical services contracts.
- Financial and Physical Development (incl. equipment, stock etc.) - (Factor 8)
- Leads annual contract renewal process for the Trust, defining and developing contracting principles and ensuring consistent application and implementation across all areas of the Trust.
- Budget holder for own areas of Finance Directorate and responsible for physical asset security in those areas.
- Human Resources (incl. developing and delivering training) - (Factor 9)
- Line manager within Finance Directorate responsible for full range of employee management include appeals following employee relations hearings.
- Provides and oversees the development of contract management training at a Trust wide level as required.
- Information Resources - (Factor 10)
- Responsible for ensuring the design and development of contract management reporting and other financial/commissioning/contracting reports to meet the needs of Trust users.
- Research and Development - (Factor 11)
Undertakes and oversees audits of own areas of responsibility. Responsible for arranging audits resulting from contractual provision from outside the organisation.
- Professional (not included in any of the above factors)
- Contribute to the operation of the Trust through involvement in senior management forums and multi-disciplinary working groups.
Other Role-Specific Duties
- As a member of the finance senior management team, provides commissioning advice (as required) on all activities and relevant governance of the organisation.
- As a very senior member of staff, the post holder will be expected to work closely with the Trust Director of Finance & Chief Financial Officer, and work flexibly at a high level to respond to any new projects or challenges which occur. The post holder will be able to represent the Trust and their department professionally and command respect through their knowledge and expertise.
- Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role and delegated or requested by the manager or supervisor, as the needs of the service require.
This job description is an outline of the role and responsibilities. From time to time due to the needs of the service, we may ask you to flexibly undertake other duties that are consistent with your role and banding, including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and the organisation.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Communications and Relationship skills - (Factor 1)
- Production of complex financial reports to be presented at public meetings and various internal meetings, including Trust Executive Committee, Finance and Performance Committee, communicating Trust financial performance, reasons for underlying performance and actions being taken to address any under-performance. Reports may also require the explanation of complex technical accounting concepts in ways that can be understood by non-financial managers and members of the public.
- Oversee the provision of contracting/commissioning advice and business support to operational Divisions. Work with Divisions in financial difficulties to develop and agree recovery plans; persuading, negotiating and influencing where necessary to ensure that achievement of financial targets and operational performance are balanced, and risk is mitigated via contractual provision where possible.
- Ensure advertised market engagement and invitations to tender are communicated to the organisation appropriately, submitting any resulting bids following appropriate approvals via the Trust Standing Financial Instructions
- Regular liaison with GP and Primary Care stakeholders and establishment of engagement strategy as required.
- Establishment of contract management governance structure with commissioners and providers and implementation of contract management reviews and associated reporting to Trust Executive
- Lead on advice to credit control teams and Trust Executive as required on resolution of any contractual disputes, including direct resolution of issues with contractual parties in line with contractual provisions for dispute resolution.
- Analytical and Judgemental skills - (Factor 3)
- Analyse and interpret highly complex multi-faceted financial information and other evidence, for example in relation to contractual disputes and contracting models including financial forecasts and detailed estimation of risk in relation to contractual relationships in order to recommend an approach to Trust Board or Trust Executive Committee.
- Analyse options for improving financial performance at a Trust level in relation to contractual models and strategy with system partners and make recommendations to the Finance and Investment Committee about actions required to deliver quarterly and annual financial targets within this context.
- Act as expert adviser to the Finance Director in relation to appropriate contractual models, service reconfiguration and contractual disputes / risk, including value for money review of contract envelopes in relation to delivery of the wider Trust financial strategy.
- Planning and Organisational skills - (Factor 4)
- Plan, organise and oversee the delivery of annual objectives for the finance functions for which the post-holder has responsibility.
- Lead the development of the clinical services contract management strategy in relation to the annual financial plan for the Trust taking into account potential changes in funding availability or financial performance ensuring consistency with the Trusts clinical strategy and Patient First priorities.
- Prepare contract value and risk forecasts for the Trust in relation to clinical services contracts for the quarter and the year taking into account current contractual performance and projected changes in performance, including mitigation for risks identified using contractual provisions.
- Manage the workload of the commissioning team to ensure that statutory, mandatory and internal deadlines are met, making decisions about the resourcing of tasks where there may be conflicting priorities.
- To be responsible for the commissioning team input into service reconfiguration and development plans.
- To provide contracting and commissioning advice to support business cases and provide guidance and advice to the Trust Leadership and management teams as required.
- Patient/ Client Care - (Factor 6)
- Provided assistance to patients and service users as required e.g. when dealing with queries or complaints.
- Policy and Service Development Implementation - (Factor 7)
- Develop financial policies across the areas of functional responsibility in the Directorate.
- Lead and oversee the implementation of financial policies across the Trust in relation to clinical services contracts.
- Financial and Physical Development (incl. equipment, stock etc.) - (Factor 8)
- Leads annual contract renewal process for the Trust, defining and developing contracting principles and ensuring consistent application and implementation across all areas of the Trust.
- Budget holder for own areas of Finance Directorate and responsible for physical asset security in those areas.
- Human Resources (incl. developing and delivering training) - (Factor 9)
- Line manager within Finance Directorate responsible for full range of employee management include appeals following employee relations hearings.
- Provides and oversees the development of contract management training at a Trust wide level as required.
- Information Resources - (Factor 10)
- Responsible for ensuring the design and development of contract management reporting and other financial/commissioning/contracting reports to meet the needs of Trust users.
- Research and Development - (Factor 11)
Undertakes and oversees audits of own areas of responsibility. Responsible for arranging audits resulting from contractual provision from outside the organisation.
- Professional (not included in any of the above factors)
- Contribute to the operation of the Trust through involvement in senior management forums and multi-disciplinary working groups.
Other Role-Specific Duties
- As a member of the finance senior management team, provides commissioning advice (as required) on all activities and relevant governance of the organisation.
- As a very senior member of staff, the post holder will be expected to work closely with the Trust Director of Finance & Chief Financial Officer, and work flexibly at a high level to respond to any new projects or challenges which occur. The post holder will be able to represent the Trust and their department professionally and command respect through their knowledge and expertise.
- Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role and delegated or requested by the manager or supervisor, as the needs of the service require.
This job description is an outline of the role and responsibilities. From time to time due to the needs of the service, we may ask you to flexibly undertake other duties that are consistent with your role and banding, including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and the organisation.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Post graduate qualification
- First numerate degree
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Significant experience and expert knowledge of commissioning procedures
- Knowledge and experience of healthcare setting
Analytical and judegemental
Essential
- Able to analyse and interpret complex financial data that may cover multiple time periods or scenarios
- Able to use expertise and experience to make decisions when full information may not be available or is conflicting
People management
Essential
- Previous line management experience including absence management, capability and disciplinary
- Experience in supporting professional development of staff
Financial
Essential
- Experience of contract management and commissioning strategy for a large, complex public sector organisation
- Understanding and experience of financial control requirements as would be expected of a budget holder and authorised signatory
Communication and interpersonal
Essential
- Able to develop strong and sustainable relationships with internal and external personnel
- Able to influence and persuade and negotiate
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Post graduate qualification
- First numerate degree
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Significant experience and expert knowledge of commissioning procedures
- Knowledge and experience of healthcare setting
Analytical and judegemental
Essential
- Able to analyse and interpret complex financial data that may cover multiple time periods or scenarios
- Able to use expertise and experience to make decisions when full information may not be available or is conflicting
People management
Essential
- Previous line management experience including absence management, capability and disciplinary
- Experience in supporting professional development of staff
Financial
Essential
- Experience of contract management and commissioning strategy for a large, complex public sector organisation
- Understanding and experience of financial control requirements as would be expected of a budget holder and authorised signatory
Communication and interpersonal
Essential
- Able to develop strong and sustainable relationships with internal and external personnel
- Able to influence and persuade and negotiate
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
