Lead Contract Manager

Overview

In this role you will lead a portfolio of provider contracts, ensuring value for money and high standards. You will coach and direct staff, oversee complex negotiations, and drive performance and delivery across the directorate. You will align contracting activity with national and local priorities while supporting pathway transformation. The role combines senior leadership with contract management in a hybrid work setting, contributing to safer, higher-quality care for communities.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible working
• permanent contract
• Band 8b salary 66,582 to 77,368 per year

Responsibilities

• Lead the staff supporting the contract portfolio to deliver priorities
• Lead on complex provider contracts within the portfolio
• Implement contracting requirements across the portfolio
• Provide integrated oversight of contracts across the portfolio
• Identify and manage contractual risks
• Use contractual levers and relationships to improve outcomes and value
• Lead complex and contentious negotiations
• Coordinate multi-ICB contracts via commissioner protocols
• Contribute to development and continuous improvement of the wider directorate

Key requirements

• Extensive knowledge of complex NHS contracting and provider management
• Experience in leading stakeholder negotiations
• Masters level education or equivalent senior experience
• Budget management experience
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Ability to work autonomously and make decisions under pressure
• Experience with NHS policy and its implementation
• Familiarity with NHS systems (Atamis, Power BI, Oracle) preferred

• Strong communication and influencing skills
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Leadership and people management
• NHS contracting and provider management
• Programme and project management (PRINCE2 desirable)
• Microsoft Office proficiency

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