Principal Contracting Manager

NHS; Coventry; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Coventry is seeking a Contracts Manager to oversee and manage NHS healthcare contracts. The role involves negotiating with various stakeholders, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing subcontractor relationships. Candidates should have strong negotiation skills, contract management experience, and expertise in financial analysis. This position is full-time, with a competitive salary range of £64,455 to £74,896 per annum.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong experience in contract negotiation and management.
• Expertise in financial returns and budget negotiations.
• Ability to lead and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead negotiation and monitoring of NHS healthcare contracts.
• Manage day-to-day issues related to income and compliance.
• Oversee subcontractor arrangements and ensure PSR compliance.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Contract management

Financial analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Compliance knowledge

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Job Summary

To lead and manage the contracting arrangements between the Trust and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and other commissioners, ensuring compliance with NHS Standard Contract terms, Provider Selection Regime (PSR) regulations, and strategic financial objectives. The role includes leading on the management of subcontractor relationships, escalation of complex contractual issues, and management of Section 106 (S106) healthcare contributions.

Leading and collaborating with a range of partners, stakeholders and health experts in Coventry across health and care systems, Public Health and Local Authorities to determine the strategic direction of the Coventry and Warwickshire System, in order to provide expert advice and recommendations based on the analysis and interpretation of data, performance, patient outcomes, service requirements, a range of policies and strategic plans within UHCW.

Closing Date: Please be advised that this job advert will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Please apply for this job as soon as you can, if interested.

Responsibilities

• Lead the negotiation, implementation, and monitoring of NHS healthcare contracts with ICBs, NHSE, local authorities, private sector and third sector organisations, ensuring alignment with the NHS Standard Contract and national guidance.
• Day to day contract management, covering activity, income, quality metrics, performance and compliance issues; attendance at contract review meetings, production and response to all relevant correspondence, liaison with relevant Trust leads and escalation of issues where appropriate.
• Model, forecast and negotiate contract activity levels and payment rules in order to optimise income for the Trust.
• Develop and manage contract variations and service‑level agreements in response to evolving commissioning priorities.
• Ensure all contractual arrangements align with the Trust's strategic commissioning priorities and support the development of integrated care models.
• Lead complex budget negotiations with each healthcare contract to ensure value for money (for contracts up to and in excess of £1M).
• Conduct in‑depth analysis, interpretation and production of complex and multiple reports including financial returns.

Subcontractor Management & PSR Compliance

• Oversee subcontractor arrangements, ensuring compliance with PSR principles including transparency, fairness and value.
• Lead the negotiation of subcontractor contract values, ensuring alignment with service delivery expectations, financial sustainability and regulatory requirements.
• Undertake financial monitoring of commissioned services, identifying opportunities for cost savings, efficiencies and improved value for money.
• Apply appropriate PSR procurement routes (direct award, most suitable provider, competitive process) for subcontracted services.
• Ensure subcontractors meet performance standards and contractual obligations.
• Maintain records of provider assessments, exclusions and conflicts of interest as required under PSR.
• Act in a way that is compliant with Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions in the discharge of this responsibility.

Escalation Handling

• Act as the lead escalation point for complex or unresolved NHS contractual queries, including disputes, performance concerns and financial challenges.
• Coordinate internal responses to escalated issues, ensuring timely resolution and consistent communication with ICBs and other stakeholders.
• Maintain a structured escalation log, tracking issues, actions and outcomes to support governance and continuous improvement.
• Provide briefings and recommendations to senior leadership on high‑risk or sensitive contractual matters.

Section 106 (S106) Funding

• Ensure timely submission and follow‑up of S106 funding bids according to legal framework.
• Collaborate with local authorities, planning teams and ICBs to ensure appropriate allocation of S106 funds to support service expansion and infrastructure.
• Monitor compliance with S106 agreements and reporting requirements, ensuring transparency and accountability.

About the Trust

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK. It is proud of its employees, high‑quality patient care, modern facilities and research excellence, and is recognised as a Pathway to Excellence designated organisation.

Employment Details

Date posted: 17 November 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 8b

Salary: £64,455 to £74,896 per annum

Contract type: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time

Reference number: 218-AC-B8B-7619236

Job location: EPR Building, University Hospital Coventry, Coventry CV2 2DX

Legal and Sponsorship Information

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

Applications from job seekers who require current skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Further information on sponsorship and criminal record checks can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website.