Head of Contracts & Commissioning

About the role

Lead a strategic contracts and commissioning function within a national care organisation, shaping relationships with commissioners and securing sustainable funding arrangements. This full‑time, office‑based role is based at our Support Office in Darlington and works 40 hours per week.

Key responsibilities

• Own and develop relationships with local authorities, ICBs, NHS bodies and other statutory funders.
• Manage the full contract lifecycle, including fee negotiations, tender and framework activity.
• Ensure contracts are commercially sustainable, aligned with operational and regulatory requirements.
• Provide expert guidance on social care funding arrangements and identify growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with senior commercial, operational, finance and quality teams to manage risks and support organisational priorities.
• Represent HC‑One at senior commissioner meetings, provider forums and industry events.
• Lead, develop and mentor the contracts and commissioning team.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a contracts and commissioning leader in the social care or healthcare sector.
• Strong understanding of social care funding, NHS commissioning and statutory funding mechanisms.
• Demonstrated strategic leadership and ability to work with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder‑management skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence the commercial success of a national care portfolio.
• Substantial planned investment and resources to deliver high‑quality, sustainable care.
• Collaborative environment with colleagues across the organisation.
• Competitive full‑time salary package (details not disclosed).