Contracts Manager

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust; St Leonards; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider seeks an experienced Contracts Manager to oversee all contracting activities. Key responsibilities include leading negotiations for NHS contracts, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing performance standards. The ideal candidate should have a degree-level education, expertise in contract law, and significant experience in complex agreements. Benefits include staff development opportunities, NHS pension enrollment, and onsite perks. This role is pivotal in supporting the Trust's strategic business development in healthcare services.

Benefits

Staff development opportunities

NHS pension scheme

Onsite parking

Access to onsite nurseries

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in managing complex contracts.
• Strong communication and influencing skills are essential.
• Proficiency in analyzing and presenting complex data.

Responsibilities

• Lead negotiations and management of NHS contracts.
• Coordinate applications for Any Qualified Provider status.
• Ensure contract compliance and maintain databases.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Financial management

Contract law expertise

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent

Job description

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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

• Staff development opportunities.
• Enrolment in the NHS pension scheme.
• Auto‑enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service.
• Access to onsite nurseries, staff restaurants and accommodation.
• Internal Occupational Health department and free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
• Onsite parking available from only £50 a year.

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.

The Trust provides safe, compassionate and high‑quality hospital and community care to the half a million people living in East Sussex and those who visit our local area. We are one of the largest organisations in East Sussex with an annual income of £700 million and are the only integrated provider of acute and community care in Sussex. Our extensive health services are provided by over 8,000 dedicated staff working from two acute hospitals in Hastings and Eastbourne, three community hospitals in Bexhill, Rye and Uckfield, over 100 community sites across East Sussex, and in people’s own homes. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated us as ‘Good’ overall, and ‘Outstanding’ for being Caring and Effective.