Head of Contracts

OPTICAL EXPRESS; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ophthalmology provider in the UK is seeking a Head of Contracts to oversee the development and management of healthcare service contracts, primarily focusing on NHS provision. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in managing complex healthcare contracts and strong knowledge of ophthalmic services. This role offers competitive benefits including private healthcare and a generous leave policy.

Benefits

Competitive salary

29 days annual leave

Pension Scheme

Private Healthcare

Discounted Laser Eye Surgery

Optical Express Friends and Family Discount

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing complex healthcare contracts within the NHS or similar environment.
• Strong knowledge of ophthalmic services and primary care commissioning.
• Ability to interpret and apply NHS financial and performance frameworks (e.g., PbR, HRG, KPIs).

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of healthcare contracts, including commissioning, negotiation, performance monitoring, and renewal.
• Ensure compliance with NHS contracting regulations and financial governance frameworks.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with NHS providers, ICBs, and other stakeholders.

Skills

NHS contracting knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Master's degree

APMP certification

CIPFA certification

Job description

Job Title: Head of Contracts

Reporting to: Clinical Services Director & Director of Care & Quality

Location: Newcastle

Salary: Commensurate with position and experience

Optical Express is a provider of ophthalmology services, including laser eye surgery, cataract surgery, and lens replacement surgery in the United Kingdom and Europe. Over 35 years, millions of patients have trusted Optical Express with their eye care. We are focused on delivering exceptional patient care, outstanding clinical outcomes, and continued investment in our people and technology. Our group healthcare brands, headed by Optical Express, also includes ACES, sk:n clinics and The Harley Medical Group, are now promoting and providing services to NHS patients, and as a result we are looking to recruit a Head of Contracts.

About the Role

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Head of Contracts to lead the development, negotiation, and management of healthcare service contracts, with a particular focus on ophthalmic services and broader NHS provision. This pivotal role will oversee relationships with NHS providers, and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), ensuring high-quality, cost-effective service delivery across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of healthcare contracts, including commissioning, negotiation, performance monitoring, and renewal.
• Manage a portfolio of contracts across our healthcare brands offerings.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with NHS providers, ICBs, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with NHS contracting regulations and financial governance frameworks.
• Provide strategic input into service redesign, procurement planning, and contract variation processes.
• Present contract performance reports and recommendations to senior leadership and governance boards.
• Lead and develop a high-performing contracts team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Collaborating with Contracts and Finance teams on data and income reporting
• Overseeing NHS finance and data reporting
• Managing all coding activity and NHS data submissions

About You

You’ll be a confident leader with a deep understanding of NHS contracting and commissioning processes.

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience in managing complex healthcare contracts within the NHS or similar environment.
• Strong knowledge of ophthalmic services and primary care commissioning.
• Excellent negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and analytical skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply NHS financial and performance frameworks (e.g., PbR, HRG, KPIs).
• A strategic mindset with the ability to influence service delivery, transformation, and commercial awareness.
• Relevant qualifications (e.g., Master's degree, APMP, CIPFA) are highly desirable.

Benefits

• A competitive salary commensurate with your experience
• 29 days annual leave per year, increasing with length of service
• Pension Scheme
• Private Healthcare
• Complimentary or discounted Laser Eye Surgery, Intraocular Lens surgery or Lipiflow treatment
• Generous Optical Express Friends and Family Discount scheme
• Discounts on other group companies products & procedures