Contracts Manager

Job summary East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (ESHT) is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to lead contracting activities for healthcare services across the Trust. This pivotal role ensures robust contractual arrangements, maximises income streams, and supports strategic business development. Key Responsibilities Lead negotiations and performance management of complex NHS and non-NHS contracts. Coordinate tenders and applications for ESHT to become an Any Qualified Provider (AQP). Ensure compliance with national policies, statutory guidance, and NHS Standing Financial Instructions. Maintain a comprehensive database of contracts and service level agreements. Provide expert advice on commercial aspects, financial options, and risk mitigation. About You Degree-level education (or equivalent) with advanced IT skills. Expertise in contract law, tendering, and financial management. Significant experience in negotiating and managing complex agreements. Strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills. Ability to analyse and present complex data clearly. Proactive and resilient, thriving in challenging situations. Why Join Us? Influence contracts linked to a £760m income stream. Drive strategic initiatives including tenders and AQP applications. Collaborate with senior leaders, clinicians, and external partners. Grow professionally in NHS contracting and policy implementation. What You'll Do Lead and manage contracts for healthcare services, ensuring compliance and best value. Negotiate and performance manage complex NHS and non-NHS agreements. Coordinate tenders and AQP applications, ensuring timely and accurate submissions. Monitor contract performance, quality, and financial standards, implementing corrective actions where needed. Resolve disputes and complaints related to agreements professionally and effectively. Develop and maintain a contracts database and robust reporting systems. Provide expert advice on commercial and financial aspects to senior leaders. Identify and pursue new business opportunities to support Trust growth. Supervise and develop staff, including training on national contract requirements. Analyse complex data to inform decision-making and strategic planning. About us A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries, staff restaurants and accommodation. In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year. Statement on the Use of AI We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective. Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application. We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success. Details Date posted: 03 December 2025 Pay scheme: Agenda for change Band: Band 8a Salary: £55,690 to £62,682 a year per annum, pro rata Contract: Permanent Working pattern: Full-time Reference number: 374-LVB1425 Job locations: St Anne's House, Conquest Hospital, 729 The Ridge, St Leonards-on-Sea, TN37 7PT Person Specification Educated to degree or equivalent level. Proven expertise in contract law, tendering and other relevant processes. Related professional accountancy/finance qualification including membership. Substantial experience negotiating and performance management of highly complex service level agreements and contracts. Experience preparing or assessing tenders for clinical or other services. Experience disseminating and training staff at all levels on contractual and policy issues. Experience resolving internal and external disputes at senior level. Experience staff management and dispute resolution. Knowledge and experience of the AQP or Provider Selection Regime processes. Experience working within the NHS as a provider or commissioner. Excellent negotiation and influencing skills. Ability to communicate highly complex and sensitive information to a range of stakeholders verbally and written. Ability to make decisions using effective rationales and clarity of purpose. 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. Certificate of Sponsorship 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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website. Employer details East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust St Anne's House, Conquest Hospital, 729 The Ridge, St Leonards-on-Sea, TN37 7PT Employer's website: http://jobs.esht.nhs.uk/ #J-18808-Ljbffr