Commissioning and Contracts Manager

NHS; Oxford; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to join the Commissioning Team at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The role involves managing contracts, liaising with stakeholders, and leading drug commissioning efforts within a large NHS teaching hospital.

Qualifications

• Experience working within an NHS organization.
• Good understanding of the commissioning function.
• Ability to handle competing deadlines and changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead in coordinating delivery of key objectives for the commissioning team.
• Manage contracts and lead on the drug portfolio.
• Produce contract documents and performance reports.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Contract negotiation

Education

Experience in NHS

Understanding of commissioning function

Job description

Job summary

Proposed interview date - Wednesday 18/06 (subject to change)

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join the Commissioning Team at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Reporting to the Head of Commissioning, you will play a key role in building and maintaining collaborative relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. Acting as the interface between commissioners (Integrated Care Boards, Local Authorities, Specialised Commissioning) and Trust service staff.

As one of the country's largest acute teaching hospitals, we have c£1.3bn (annually) of services and activity under contract. The range of services we offer, combined with our geographic reach, relies on effective contract management alongside regular liaison with colleagues across the Trust. The post holder will lead in coordinating the delivery of key objectives as part of the commissioning team, including monitoring and analysis of service provision, supporting service development, managing contracts, and leading on the drug portfolio.

We are looking for an individual with excellent interpersonal skills who enjoys a challenge and can handle competing deadlines and changing priorities. Ideally, candidates will have experience working within an NHS organisation with a good understanding of the commissioning function.

Main duties of the job

The commissioning function within the Trust manages the commissioner/provider interface to benefit the organization. Its key functions include:

1. Commissioner relationship management
2. Contract negotiation
3. Contract management
4. Divisional Commissioning Contact Lead

Key responsibilities include:

• Receiving and analyzing highly complex information, including interpretation of national guidance.
• Producing contract documents & performance reports.
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders.
• Managing the Drugs Portfolio, including resolving data issues and constraints across the Trust.
• Applying legal and financial requirements of private sector contracts.

About us

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country, providing a wide range of clinical services and serving as a base for medical education, training, and research. The Trust comprises four hospitals: John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, and Horton General Hospital. For more information, view OUH At a Glance by OUHospitals - Issuu.

Our values, standards, and behaviors define the quality of clinical care we offer and our professional relationships with patients, colleagues, and the wider community. We focus on Delivering Compassionate Excellence, emphasizing compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement, and excellence.

Details

• Date posted: 21 May 2025
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 8a
• Salary: £53,755 to £60,504 per annum (pro rata)
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 321-CORP-7121563-B8a-PUB
• Job location: Unipart House, Cowley, Oxford, OX4 2PG

Job responsibilities

The postholder reports to the Head of Commissioning and provides a proactive, comprehensive, high-quality contracts service across a broad portfolio, including NHS, Local Authorities, and Private Sector contracts, for both clinical and corporate services.

You will advise Trust planning and Finance committees on drug spending forecasts, act as the key link with Pharmacy, and lead on external and internal interpretation of guidance on new drugs and drug circulars. You will be an active participant in High-Cost Drug Meetings, MMTC, and Radio Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Assurance Group.

Leading on drug commissioning, resolving issues internally and externally, liaising with external commissioners, OUH pharmacy, and clinical services, and keeping Trust executives informed of high-spend areas will be key responsibilities. You will also review activity and performance with Divisions and support service development and annual planning. The role includes line management of the Band 7 commissioning manager, encompassing daily management, teaching, and development.