Head of Contracts

The Great Western Hospitals NHS FT; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave

Staff discounts

Onsite facilities

Job summary

The Great Western Hospitals NHS FT is recruiting an experienced Head of Contracts to lead the Trust’s contracting function, maximise income and manage financial risk. You will negotiate with commissioners, oversee contract performance, and drive improvements in a collaborative environment with ICS partners.

The role focuses on strategic contracting, governance and financial stewardship. Based in Salisbury, this senior position offers NHS benefits and the opportunity to influence strategy in a

Qualifications

• Experienced NHS contracting, commissioning or healthcare finance professional with analytical, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex contract negotiations with commissioners and system partners.
• Oversee the management, performance and governance of NHS contracts.
• Ensure robust income forecasting, reconciliation and income recovery processes.
• Provide expert advice on contractual, commercial and financial risks and opportunities.
• Lead contract performance reporting and assurance processes.
• Support the implementation of national payment mechanisms and contracting reforms.
• Develop strong collaborative relationships across the Trust, BSW Group and ICS partners.
• Lead, motivate and develop the Contracts Team, fostering continuous improvement.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and strategic leader to join our Finance team as Head of Contracts. This pivotal role will lead the Trust's contracting function, ensuring effective negotiation, management and performance of commissioning and provider contracts. Working closely with senior finance, operational and system leaders, you will maximise income, manage contractual and financial risk, and ensure compliance with national contracting frameworks and NHS Standard Contract requirements. You will play a key role in supporting the Trust's financial sustainability, leading complex negotiations with commissioners, advising on national payment mechanisms and developing strong partnerships across the Integrated Care System (ICS) and BSW Group. The role offers an excellent opportunity to influence organisational strategy, support service transformation and drive continuous improvement within a high-performing team As Head of Contracts, you will lead the development and delivery of the Trust's contracting strategy, ensuring contracts support organisational priorities, activity plans and financial objectives. You will:

• Lead complex contract negotiations with commissioners and system partners.
• Oversee the management, performance and governance of NHS contracts.
• Ensure robust income forecasting, reconciliation and income recovery processes.
• Provide expert advice on contractual, commercial and financial risks and opportunities.
• Lead contract performance reporting and assurance processes.
• Support the implementation of national payment mechanisms and contracting reforms.
• Develop strong collaborative relationships across the Trust, BSW Group and ICS partners.
• Lead, motivate and develop the Contracts Team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

We are looking for an experienced NHS contracting, commissioning or healthcare finance professional with excellent analytical, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, and the ability to influence at senior levels.

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust (SFT) is part of the Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) Hospitals Group, alongside Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust. Together, we are committed to delivering outstanding, sustainable healthcare through collaboration, innovation and excellent patient care. With a history spanning more than 250 years, SFT combines a proud heritage with a forward-looking approach to healthcare. We employ more than 4,000 staff, provide around 470 beds and deliver acute, specialist and regional services across Wiltshire and beyond.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where colleagues feel valued, developed and empowered to reach their potential. Flexible working helps colleagues balance work and personal commitments while meeting the needs of patients. We offer NHS benefits including the NHS Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, staff discounts and onsite facilities.

Salisbury offers an exceptional quality of life, combining a historic city with beautiful countryside, access to the south coast and excellent transport links. Find out more at Experience Salisbury