Contracts Manager

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in the UK is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to lead contracting activities across the Trust. The successful candidate will ensure robust contractual arrangements, maximize income streams, and support strategic business development. Responsibilities include leading complex contract negotiations, ensuring compliance with national policies, and advising on commercial aspects. Applicants should have a degree-level education, expertise in contract law, and significant experience in contract management. This role is crucial for influencing contracts linked to a £760m income stream and offers various professional growth opportunities.

Benefits

Staff development programs

NHS pension scheme

Access to onsite nurseries

Free psychological support

Onsite parking

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in contract management and negotiation.
• Strong capability in financial analysis and reporting.
• Proficiency in coordinating complex tenders and applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead negotiations for NHS and non-NHS contracts.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Provide expert advice on contract terms to senior leadership.
• Develop and maintain a database of contracts.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Financial Management

Communication skills

Contract Law expertise

Data analysis

Education

Degree-level education

Professional accountancy/finance qualification

Job description

Job overview

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (ESHT) is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to lead all contracting activities for healthcare services across the Trust. This pivotal role ensures robust contractual arrangements, maximises income streams, and supports strategic business development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead negotiations and performance management of complex NHS and non‑NHS contracts.
• Coordinate tenders and applications for ESHT to become an Any Qualified Provider (AQP).
• Ensure compliance with national policies, statutory guidance, and NHS Standing Financial Instructions.
• Maintain a comprehensive database of contracts and service level agreements.
• Provide expert advice on commercial aspects, financial options, and risk mitigation.

About You

• Degree‑level education (or equivalent) with advanced IT skills.
• Expertise in contract law, tendering, and financial management.
• Significant experience in negotiating and managing complex agreements.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Ability to analyse and present complex data clearly.
• Proactive and resilient, thriving in challenging situations.

Why Join Us?

• Influence contracts linked to a £760m income stream.
• Drive strategic initiatives including tenders and AQP applications.
• Collaborate with senior leaders, clinicians, and external partners.
• Grow professionally in NHS contracting and policy implementation.

What You'll Do

• Lead and manage contracts for healthcare services, ensuring compliance and best value.
• Negotiate and performance manage complex NHS and non‑NHS agreements.
• Coordinate tenders and AQP applications, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
• Monitor contract performance, quality, and financial standards, implementing corrective actions where needed.
• Resolve disputes and complaints related to agreements professionally and effectively.
• Develop and maintain a contracts database and robust reporting systems.
• Provide expert advice on commercial and financial aspects to senior leaders.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities to support Trust growth.
• Supervise and develop staff, including training on national contract requirements.
• Analyse complex data to inform decision‑making and strategic planning.

Working for our organisation

A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto‑enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries, staff restaurants and accommodation. In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year. There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.

Statement on the Use of AI

We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI‑generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective. Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application. We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI‑generated content may diminish your chance of success.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Educated to degree or equivalent level
• Proven expertise in contract law and tendering and other relevant processes
• Related professional accountancy/finance qualification including membership

Experience

Essential criteria

• Substantial experience of negotiating and performance management of highly complex service level agreements and or contracts as a purchaser or as a supplier
• Experience of preparing or assessing tenders for clinical or other services
• Experience of disseminating and training staff at all levels on contractual and policy issues
• Experience of resolving internal and external disputes at senior level
• Experience of staff management and dispute resolution

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge and experience of the AQP (any qualified provider) or Provider Selection Regime processes gained through preparing or assessing applications
• Experience of working within the NHS as a provider or commissioner

Skills/Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills
• Ability to communicate highly complex and sensitive information to a range of stakeholders and colleagues through both verbally and written
• Ability to make decisions using effective rationales and clarity of purpose

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Application numbers

This vacancy may close early if it receives a high number of applications. Please complete and submit your application in good time to avoid disappointment.

Documents to download

• Contracts Manager Job Description and Person Specification (PDF, 504.3 KB)
• Guidance for Applicants – AFC (PDF, 152.4 KB)