Contracts Manager | East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

ESHT; St Leonards; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is looking for an experienced Contracts Manager in St Leonards, UK. The role involves leading contracts, negotiating complex agreements, and ensuring compliance with national guidelines. Candidates should have significant experience in contract law and financial management, along with strong negotiation and communication skills. The position offers professional growth in NHS contracting and strategic business initiatives, along with various employee benefits including staff development and access to onsite nurseries.

Benefits

Staff development

NHS pension scheme

Access to onsite nurseries

Onsite parking for £50 a year

Qualifications

• Significant experience in negotiating and managing complex agreements.
• Strong IT skills to manage databases and reporting systems.
• Proactive and resilient in challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Lead negotiations of complex NHS and non-NHS contracts.
• Ensure compliance with national policies and guidance.
• Monitor contract performance and implement corrective actions.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities.

Skills

Contract law expertise

Negotiation skills

Financial management

Communication skills

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.

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.

Benefits

• Staff development.
• Enrolment in the NHS pension scheme.
• Auto-enrolment to the Temporary Workforce Service.
• Access to onsite nurseries.
• Staff restaurants.
• Accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through a confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.

We are proud to be an ACCA Approved Employer – Trainee Development – Gold.

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.

Please refer to the job description attached.

If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.

This advert closes on Tuesday 16 Dec 2025.