Senior Contracting and Commissioning Manager

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity to recruit a Senior Contracting and Commissioning Manager. The successful candidate will play a key role in commissioning within the Trust, taking an active lead in negotiations with our key commissioners.

The successful candidate will be a pro-active, high level communicator with an eye for detail.

Whilst experience of working with NHS commissioning organisations is desirable, this advert welcomes applicants from different backgrounds where transferable knowledge and skills are shared.

This role is challenging and varied, enabling the post holder to work with a variety of internal stakeholders, from supporting service developments with service and clinical leads to negotiating high value contracts.

Main duties of the job

The Trust's contracts team is responsible for NHS contracts and Service Level Agreements within the Trust's contract portfolio which is currently worth approximately £600m in income from patient related activity. Currently there are 3 standard NHS Contracts and approximately 200 Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

The role of the Commissioning Team is to ensure appropriate contractual arrangements are in place with all required organisations, and that these are appropriately managed.

The post holder undertakes all core tasks involved in this work, which include:

Working with colleagues in NHS Commissioning organisations and partner NHS organisations to ensure appropriate governance arrangements are in place and being managed. Working with Clinical Divisional Business Managers, Financial Business Partners, and Information Services to ensure clinical activity is being correctly recorded and invoiced/ paid. Understanding changes in national or local commissioning policy and articulating this within the Trust. Ensuring the Trust compliance with contractual standards, escalating risks and concerns where appropriate. Seek to maximise the Trusts income through commissioning incentive schemes such as CQUINs. Management of the Trusts Private Patient function Management of staff as identified within the team's organisational structure

About us

We are dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our workforce and warmly welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on encouraging those from disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, as well as candidates from our local area.

As part of our commitment to supporting our employees we offer a range of benefits including:

Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 27 days and increasing to 29 days after five years of service and 33 days after 10 years of service, in addition to the national Bank Holidays (pro-rata for part time staff); Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme: Flexible working opportunities; Enhanced hourly rates for unsociable hours night shifts, weekends, bank holidays; Opportunities for career development and training to help you progress in your role; Wellbeing support and activities to promote a healthy work environment; Access to our in-house physiotherapy service; On-site canteens offering subsidised meals; Subsidised staff parking (currently free); Free Stagecoach Bus Travel to and from work within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to excel in their roles. Join us and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in our community.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Contracting & Commissioning

Provide expert advice on all contractual issues, ensuring you remain up to date with national guidelines and policies. Work closely with NHS commissioning colleagues, leading regular contract meetings and reviews as appropriate and building excellent relationships. Work closely with the SLA Manager to support the resolution of emerging contractual issues. Work with clinical Divisions to prepare new contracts as required and incorporate in to project management work plan. Undertake risk analysis during the preparation of new contracts to ensure fitness for purpose providing expert recommendations to senior managers on if these are acceptable to the Trust. Oversee monitoring mechanisms, ensuring these are in place and providing confirmation of standards and targets to be adhered to. Ensure monthly monitoring information is provided to commissioners professionally and on time. Work with Clinical Divisions to resolve contractual issues in a timely and effective manner, included by not limited to financial issues, specifications, or operational issues. Manage the delivery and reporting of quality incentives in NHS contracts, including CQUINs, Best Practice Tariffs, Service Development Improvement Plans (SDIPs) and Data Quality Improvement Plans (DQIPs) Lead on specific commissioning projects as directed by the Head of Commissioning Relationships Prepare briefings for senior managers on contractual issues, clearly presenting options, risks and opportunities. Support the Commissioning Manager in the resolution of any issues raised, internally or externally, escalating to the Head of Commissioning Relationships as required. This may include commissioner challenges, performance issues and financial sanctions. Advise the Head of Commissioning Relationships of any contract and revenue performance issues and likely sanctions, along with issues relating to the adherence of terms and conditions.

Reporting and Information

Analyse, interpret and present complex information to provide a range of options or comparisons. Ensure that appropriate monitoring is included within contracts such as key performance indicators, and support Divisions with the development of these. Oversee the production of reports on the performance and delivery of contractual services, incorporating quantitative information and qualitative intelligence from divisional colleagues. Ensure appropriate governance arrangements are in place, supporting and providing evidence to internal and external auditors as required. To be responsible for reviewing service specifications to ensure they are contractually sound and fit for purpose, supporting clinical divisions with articulating these as required. Record and manage contractual risks (financial and otherwise) and ensure there are reported to the Head of Commissioning Relationships.

Planning

Work collaboratively across the organisation on a broad and diverse range of issues pertaining to commissioning. To work with the wider contract team in undertaking risk analysis during renewal of contracts /service level agreements in terms of fitness for purpose and to monitor effectiveness during service delivery. Produce performance reports for various audiences, both internal and external. Provide advice when the Trust enters any Pre-Qualifying Questionnaires (PQQs), Invitation to Tender Templates (ITTs) and invitation to submit final bid (ITSFB) within tight deadlines, ensuring the Trust is represented to an appropriately high standard. Lead contract planning for identified organisation, including review of activity, finance and contractual documentation. Ensure that national and local policy is reflected correctly in agreements entered in to by the Trust and updated as appropriate, for example, information governance.

Private Patients

Oversee the Trusts private patient activity, ensure that there is an agreed policy and approach. Ensure that all private work is billed, and income received prior to activity taking place. Monitor areas where private work is being delivered. Manage staff directly involved in the delivery of private work to provide assurance that this is being undertaken appropriately, and by authorised staff only.

Communication and Engagement

Provide, receive, and present highly complex, sensitive or contentious Information, gaining cooperation or agreement as required. Meet regularly with divisional colleagues to understand current delivery issues, providing support where required. Develop and maintain excellent awareness of current issues in the NHS including the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS Arms Length Bodies and local policy on contracting, commissioning and National Tariff Payment System guidance. Keep informed and be familiar with any changes in the national price tariff and associated tariff structure and service classification framework and regulations. Contribute to the work and development of the Finance Directorate as a whole, participating in Trust-wide projects and initiatives and as a member of the wider Finance Directorate. Liaise regularly with Clinical Divisions, the Income Team, Management Accountants / Financial Services and other colleagues as appropriate.

Manage the ongoing development of staff, providing opportunities where possible to work beyond their roles to help with future opportunities.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

Educated to Masters level or equivalent experience

Desirable

Completion of leadership course / qualification

Experience

Essential

Experience of working with NHS contracts Working in a role requiring high standard of administrative skills, high levels of accuracy and work to tight deadlines Experience of working in an organisation/company requiring the management of multiple internal and external stakeholders Line Management Experience

Desirable

Experience of working with NHS Commissioners Experience of supporting operational delivery in a Trust Experience of negotiating with external organisations Project Management experience/qualification Experience of managing a team with a range of objectives

Knowledge

Desirable

Knowledge of the NHS contracting, 'payment by results' policy and arrangements, and related Government policies on the development of UK healthcare Excellent understanding of NHS policy and planning Expert knowledge of NHS Commissioning (subject matter expert) Clear understanding of NHS financial management Understanding of operational pressures within the NHS

Key Skills

Essential

High level of attention to detail Methodical, well-organised approach to work Ability to manage complex internal & external relationships Excellent verbal & written communication. Demonstrable use of Microsoft O365 products such as Excel, Word, and Outlook

Desirable

Ability to communicate effectively with a range of clinical and non-clinical staff

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