Head of Patient Care Contracts - Band 8b

NHS; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in the UK is seeking a Head of Patient Care Contracts. This role involves overseeing contract management, leading negotiations, and collaborating with various NHS partners to ensure the delivery of effective health services. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of NHS systems, strong communication and negotiation skills, and significant experience in staff and budget management. This is a full-time, permanent position offering a salary range of £64,455 to £74,896 annually, with flexible working options.

Qualifications

• Experience in NHS contracting and commissioning.
• Significant experience in staff and budget management.
• Ability to present complex information clearly.
• Experience in influencing and inspiring staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage all Trust contract services and monitor performance.
• Lead formal contract negotiations.
• Collaborate with the finance team on income services.
• Develop and implement policies for contract management.

Skills

Contracting and commissioning systems

Excellent communication skills

Organisational and time management skills

Ability to analyse complex issues

Proactive and takes initiative

Education

CIPS qualified (min level 4)

Evidence of continued professional development in healthcare commissioning

Job description

Head of Patient Care Contracts - Band 8b

Closing date: 18 January 2026

Role: Member of the senior management team reporting directly to the Associate Director of Income and Contracting. Supports contract discussions and manages provider‑to‑provider and third‑sector contracts to deliver high quality, value‑for‑money services aligned with Trust objectives.

Main duties

• Contract management – oversee all Trust contract services, monitor performance indicators, act on issues and inform future procurement decisions.
• Safeguarding – provide contractual expertise to protect Trust interests in partnerships.
• Relationship development – build working relationships with NHS providers, suppliers and third‑sector bodies.
• Operational support – collaborate with finance to ensure seamless income and contracting services.

Job responsibilities

• Lead and support formal contract negotiations with senior external stakeholders.
• Work closely with operational teams to achieve contractual performance targets.
• Ensure value for money, considering risk, quality and other factors.
• Maintain provider‑to‑provider arrangements and clear clinical specifications.
• Review contracted services regularly and recommend changes.
• Use contracting and commercial expertise to deliver innovative approaches to the Trust’s business obligations.
• Undertake complex negotiations with directors and senior managers of public and commercial organisations to minimise risk.
• Protect the Trust’s financial and contractual integrity through third‑party contract analysis.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director and Director of Finance to grow the contract management function, including sub‑contract and provider‑to‑provider agreements.
• Develop and deliver best practice at organisational and departmental levels.
• Maintain compliance with Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions.
• Act as deputy to the Associate Director on agreed occasions.
• Maintain up‑to‑date overseas database.
• Support non‑commissioning income management and Provider‑to‑Provider agreements.
• Ensure correct reporting of all income and contracting in financial statements.
• Provide expert knowledge and financial advice on negotiating and agreeing contracts.
• Participate actively in developing the vision, strategy and plans for income and contracting.
• Report contractual issues to boards and sub‑committees.
• Familiarise with PSR and its effects on contracting.
• Liaise with the Procurement Department.
• Support the Private Patient office with annual price list and financial negotiations.
• Support overseas visitors financial needs.
• Support the Research & Development department.
• Develop, implement and maintain policies and procedures for contract management.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the Finance team.
• Deliver excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, including presentation of complex financial information to large audiences.
• Manage the Contracting and Costing team, including recruitment, training, appraisal and performance management.
• Ensure every team member is appraised and has a Personal Development Plan.
• Maintain specialist knowledge of NHS legislation and policies.
• Brief finance and service staff on contract developments through seminars and briefing papers.

Person specification

Qualifications and training

• Evidence of continued professional development, particularly in healthcare commissioning or performance management.
• CIPS qualified (min level 4) and currently registered.

Knowledge and skills

• Contracting and commissioning systems in NHS provider organisation.
• Experience and expert knowledge of NHS.
• Significant staff and budgetary management.
• Ability to analyse highly complex issues with material from various sources.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to present information clearly to a range of audiences including the public.
• Able to influence, persuade and inspire staff.

Personal attributes

• Able to cope under pressure.
• Proactive / takes own initiative.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offences Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Salary

£64,455 to £74,896 a year (pa pro rata if part‑time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full‑time, Flexible working, Home or remote working