This is an exciting opportunity to join a newly established Contract Management Team and help shape how contract management is embedded across the Trust.
The post-holder is responsible for the operational leadership of a defined portfolio of healthcare contracts, ensuring effective negotiation, implementation, performance monitoring, and risk management in line with NHS guidance and the Trust's financial plan. Reporting to the Head of Contract Management, the role provides expert contractual advice to clinical, operational, and finance colleagues, using complex performance, activity, and financial data to inform contract monitoring, validation, forecasting, and senior decision making, while supporting annual planning and contracting cycles and the development of contract management processes within Atamis (e-tendering system).
Working with a high degree of autonomy, the Senior Contract Manager ensures compliance with procurement legislation, national policy, Standing Financial Instructions, and audit requirements, developing standard operating procedures and undertaking audits of high-risk contracts. The role includes line management of a Band 7 Contract Manager and deputising for the Head of Contract Management when required, representing the Trust confidently at internal and external forums, and building strong relationships with suppliers and senior stakeholders to communicate complex contractual and financial risks clearly and effectively.
In addition to the below summary you need to familiarise yourself with full Job Description and Person Specification documents attached to this advert.
As a Senior Contract Manager you will support and manage a number of high risk/high value contracts across the department to ensure we continually improve the service we offer.
The relationships that you build with stakeholders will be key to your success, which is why we are seeking someone with well developed interpersonal skills that can quickly gain credibility.
You will be responsible for developing and leading a contract management portfolio, as well as managing a range of complex contracts. You will work closely with senior managers and stakeholders to develop and manage contracts for goods and services of high value and of a complex nature.
You will have a strong background in delivering commercial success, as well as being a great team player, strong communicator, experienced negotiator, innovative thinker and a patient and motivational leader.
You will be experienced in OJEU/FTS contracts and have a sound knowledge of EU/UK procurement legislation.
Previous NHS experience is not essential but a strong track record in delivering savings in a stakeholder driven organisation will be.
This is an excellent opportunity to develop your procurement career in a dynamic, challenging and high profile environment.
With over 19,000 staff, we are one of the biggest employers in the city with a central role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our local population. We play a leading role in research, education and innovation.
Come and join our wonderful team at NUH. We are big believers in diversity and welcome new ideas to help develop our team in order to deliver world class healthcare to the vast patient populations we serve. With endless personal development opportunities available, at NUH we will endeavour to turn your job into a career!
We particularly welcome applications from people who identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, or Disabled, as we are striving to be better represented at NUH.
Key Job Responsibilities
Contract Management and Service Delivery
Lead the end-to-end contract management process for a defined portfolio of healthcare contracts.
Ensure contracts are effectively negotiated, drafted, implemented, and monitored in line with national and local NHS guidance and procurement regulations.
Monitor contract performance using KPIs and quality metrics, resolving issues proactively and escalating where appropriate.
Ensure all contracts reflect appropriate financial values and activity schedules, including alignment with national tariff changes.
Support annual planning and contracting rounds, ensuring timely and accurate contract agreements.
Lead the identification and mitigation of contractual and financial risks across managed contracts.
Lead on the delivery and monitoring of savings for the contract management team, contributing to the Trusts financial plan.
Advisory and Analytical Responsibilities
Provide expert contractual advice and guidance to internal stakeholders, supporting operational teams to interpret contractual obligations.
Provide Business Intelligence and make judgements with Finance colleagues to inform contract monitoring, validation, and forecasting processes.
Analyse highly complex management information and present their findings to senior management teams.
Contribute to the preparation of high-quality reports and briefings for senior stakeholders, committees, and boards.
Responsible for the development on the contract management function in the Trusts e-procurement system (Atamis).
Governance and Compliance
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).
Ensure all contract management processes comply with Trust Standing Financial Instructions, relevant national policy, and audit requirements.
Responsible for developing standard operating procedures for the contract management function which will be implemented by the Trust.
Undertake contract audits for all high-risk contracts.
People Management and Leadership
Work autonomously and interpret policy and procedures within the contract management function.
Provide direct line management to the Band 7 Contract Manager, including objective setting, appraisal, training, recruitment, staff performance and professional development.
Deputise for the Head of Contract Management as required at internal or external forums, representing the Trust confidently when delegated.
Support workforce development by role-modelling professional standards in contract management and coaching colleagues.
Communication, Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management
Develop and maintain positive working relationships with key suppliers and partners.
Represent the Trust in external contract management and negotiation forums where required.
Communicate highly complex contractual and financial risks clearly to senior colleagues and provide evidence-based recommendations.
Present highly complex and sensitive contractual information at senior management level.
Build credibility with clinical, financial, and operational leaders through effective communication and influencing skills.
Person Specification
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.
