Band 8a - Pathology Contracts Manager, HWE ICS Pathology

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust; Watford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust is recruiting a Pathology Contracts Manager to lead contracts and SLAs for pathology and laboratory services across the HWE ICS partnership.

The post holder will provide contractual, financial and commercial advice to senior pathology leaders and Trust management to support high-quality, sustainable diagnostics and system-wide collaboration with NHS providers and Integrated Care Boards.

Qualifications

• Significant contract and performance management experience.
• Strong commercial insight and ability to negotiate across organisations.
• Experience working with or for NHS organisations is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Monitor pathology contracts, budgets, activity, KPIs and provider performance.
• Support contract negotiations, amendments and variation processes; perform value-for-money assessments.
• Prepare complex contractual and financial information for senior managers and committees; chair contract review meetings.
• Build effective relationships with clinicians, operational leads, finance, procurement, IT, commissioners and external providers.
• Analyse activity, demand, capacity and financial information to support planning and decision-making.

Job description

Band 8a - Pathology Contracts Manager, HWE ICS Pathology

A Vacancy at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Pathology Contracts Manager to manage, negotiate and monitor contracts and service level agreements for pathology and laboratory services across the HWE ICS partnership.

The postholder will provide contractual, financial and commercial advice to senior pathology leaders and Trust management, supporting high-quality, sustainable diagnostic services and effective system working with NHS providers, Integrated Care Boards and external partners.

You will bring significant contract and performance management experience, strong commercial insight and the ability to communicate and negotiate confidently across organisational boundaries.

Core hours are to be confirmed; the role requires travel across Trust sites and partner organisations.

The postholder will monitor pathology contracts, budgets, activity, KPIs, quality targets and provider performance, ensuring effective action where delivery varies from agreed requirements.

They will support contract negotiations, amendments and variation processes; undertake value-for-money assessments; identify and manage contractual, financial and service risks; and help resolve complex issues and complaints.

The role will analyse activity, demand, capacity and financial information to support planning, costing, income recovery and decision-making.

The successful candidate will prepare reports and briefings, chair contract review meetings, maintain robust records and build effective relationships with clinicians, operational leads, finance, procurement, commissioners, IT teams and the pathology service provider.

With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us.

We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.

Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.

Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.

We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking

If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please [e-mail]

If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.

The role will ensure appropriate contracts are in place with the outsourced pathology provider and other external parties, and will evaluate and draft amendments where required.

Responsibilities include monitoring commissioned services, budgets, activity plans, finance, KPIs and quality targets; managing regular provider review meetings and resulting actions; supporting contract and financial modelling; and advising on value for money, cost pressures, variances and opportunities for efficiency or income optimisation.

The postholder will prepare complex contractual and financial information for senior managers, committees and Trust boards, contribute to policy and strategic planning, and support pathology transformation, GIRFT and network development.

Key relationships span senior leaders, pathology and clinical managers, finance, procurement, IT, commissioners, the PMO and external providers.

Core hours are to be confirmed. Travel across sites is required.

This advert closes on Tuesday 10 Nov 2026