Associate Director of Contracts

About the role

We are looking for an experienced NHS contracting leader to join our client as Associate Director of Contracts. In this fixed‑term role you will provide strategic oversight and day‑to‑day leadership of the contracting and income portfolio, ensuring robust governance and high‑quality stakeholder management.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the contracting function, delivering expert NHS contracting advice and managing contracting cycles.
• Provide strategic oversight of contract performance, monitoring activity, quality, finance and key metrics, and mitigating risks.
• Own and maintain a clear contract governance framework, ensuring compliance with Trust Standing Financial Instructions and NHS guidance.
• Lead negotiations with commissioners, systems and partner organisations, building constructive relationships.
• Support the programme to de‑construct block contracts into service lines/currencies, including activity mapping and HRG/currency development.
• Work closely with performance and operational teams to align contracting assumptions with capacity, demand and recovery plans.
• Partner with Information Governance, Costing and Data Quality teams to improve activity and cost data accuracy.
• Oversee contract variations, in‑year changes and dispute resolution, ensuring decisions are evidenced and auditable.
• Lead, coach and develop the Contracts team, creating a high‑performing, customer‑focused function.
• Contribute to wider corporate objectives, including financial planning and system collaboration.

Required profile

• Significant senior‑level experience of NHS contracting and income, including negotiation and management of complex commissioner/provider relationships.
• Demonstrable experience of contract oversight and performance management, including governance.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high‑performing teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience working with information governance, costing and data quality functions.

Required skills