Principal Contracting Manager

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust; Coventry; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A medical institution in the UK is seeking a Principal Contracting Manager to oversee the contracting arrangements with Integrated Care Boards and ensure compliance with NHS standards. This role involves leading negotiations, managing subcontractor relationships, and handling complex contractual issues. The ideal candidate should possess strong negotiation skills and knowledge of NHS contract frameworks. This position emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders to enhance healthcare services in the region.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of NHS Standard Contract terms.
• Experience in managing subcontractor relationships.
• Ability to negotiate complex budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead negotiation and monitoring of NHS healthcare contracts.
• Ensure compliance with PSR principles.
• Act as escalation point for NHS contractual queries.

Job description

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Principal Contracting Manager

Closing date is 28 November 2025

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, including where UHCW will be acting as the commissioner, 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.

Main duties of the job

Contract Management:

• 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.
• Modelling, forecasting and negotiation of 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.
• Responsible for leading complex budget negotiations with each healthcare contract to ensure value for money when commissioning the service. (For contracts up to and in excess of £1M)
• In depth analysis, interpretation and production of complex and multiple reports including financial returns

About us

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.

We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.

Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.

We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence designated organisation - please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)

By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.

The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.

Job responsibilities

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 (e.g., 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.
• 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.

For further details please see the attached job description.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• See supporting documents
• See supporting documents

Knowledge & Experience

• See supporting documents
• See supporting documents

Skills

• See supporting documents

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

• See supporting documents

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Address

EPR Building, University Hospital Coventry