Contract Specialist Lead

Guided Solutions; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Guided Solutions is seeking an experienced Contract Specialist Lead to drive complex commercial negotiations and strategic tenders across the UK & Ireland. You will work with Sales, Finance, Legal and Operations to secure favourable agreements and manage risk.

The role requires NHS procurement expertise and experience in regulated sectors, with a focus on governance and compliant contracting practices.

Qualifications

• Over 6 years' contracts experience, with at least 2 years in a lead role.

Responsibilities

• Lead the drafting, review and negotiation of complex commercial agreements (supply, service, frameworks, partnerships).
• Manage strategic tenders, public sector procurement opportunities and framework applications from review to award.
• Provide expert contractual and commercial advice to internal stakeholders to enable sound decisions.
• Identify and mitigate contractual, financial, operational and compliance risks.
• Develop and improve contract governance frameworks and systems across the lifecycle.
• Ensure contracts, renewals, variations and obligations are documented and managed.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver compliant, high-quality tender submissions.
• Monitor tender outcomes and market developments to improve future win rates.
• Support audits, compliance reviews and dispute resolution.

Skills

Contract negotiations

NHS procurement

Public sector procurement

Contract drafting

Risk management

Governance

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

MedTech knowledge

PA2023 knowledge

Education

Law degree

Tools

SAP

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Contract Specialist Lead to support sustainable business growth within a leading healthcare organisation.

This role will lead complex contract negotiations, strategic tender submissions and commercial governance across the UK & Ireland. Working closely with Sales, Finance, Legal, Operations and other key stakeholders, you will help secure commercially favourable agreements, manage risk and ensure contractual compliance.

This is an opportunity for a commercially minded contracts professional with strong NHS procurement knowledge and experience in healthcare or another regulated industry to make a meaningful impact on business performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the drafting, review and negotiation of complex commercial agreements, including supply agreements, service contracts, frameworks and strategic partnerships.
• Manage strategic tenders, public sector procurement opportunities and framework applications from initial review through to submission and contract award.
• Provide expert contractual and commercial advice to internal stakeholders, supporting effective decision-making and commercially sound outcomes.
• Identify and mitigate contractual, financial, operational and compliance risks.
• Develop and improve contract governance frameworks, processes and systems to ensure effective management throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Ensure contracts, renewals, variations and obligations are accurately documented and proactively managed.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver compliant, competitive and high-quality tender submissions.
• Monitor tender outcomes and market developments to identify opportunities to improve commercial performance and future win rates.
• Support contractual audits, compliance reviews and the resolution of complex contractual disputes.

About You

You will be an experienced contracts professional with strong commercial judgement, excellent negotiation skills and the confidence to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Essential experience and skills:

• More than six years' relevant contracts experience, ideally including at least two years in a similar role.
• Proven experience managing complex tenders, bids and framework agreements within healthcare, medical devices, pharmaceuticals or another regulated sector.
• Strong knowledge of NHS procurement frameworks, public sector procurement regulations and competitive tendering.
• Excellent contract drafting, negotiation, risk management and governance skills.
• Ability to interpret complex contractual terms and communicate practical recommendations to non-legal stakeholders.
• Strong commercial awareness, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Professional accreditation or membership in contract management or procurement.
• Experience within the MedTech industry.
• Knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 (PA2023).
• A degree in Law, Business Administration, Commercial Management or Procurement.
• Experience using SAP or other contract management systems.

The Opportunity

You will join a collaborative commercial function where your expertise will help protect the organisation, strengthen customer relationships and support long-term business growth. The role offers the opportunity to influence commercial strategy, improve contracting practices and work with senior stakeholders across a diverse healthcare business.