Contract Manager (Sponsorship Available) – Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trusts

Employer: Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trusts
Job Title: Contract Manager
Location: Nottingham, United Kingdom
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year
Job Type: Full-time
Closing Date: 02 March 2026

Job Summary

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trusts is seeking a Contract Manager to join its newly established Contract Management Team. This role is an exciting opportunity to shape how contract management is embedded across the Trust.

The Contract Manager will lead operational management of a defined portfolio of contracts, monitoring activity, finance, and quality performance to ensure value for money and high-quality service delivery. The role involves close collaboration with clinical, operational, and finance colleagues, supporting contract negotiation, implementation, and resolution of performance issues, while contributing to annual contracting cycles and the Trust’s broader Contract Management Strategy.

Strong knowledge of contract management and procurement legislation is essential, alongside ensuring compliance with Trust governance, supporting standard processes, and providing expert contractual and financial advice. The role includes line management responsibilities and stakeholder engagement across the organisation and with external providers.

Main Duties of the Job

Contract Management Responsibilities:

• Lead operational management of a portfolio of contracts, ensuring compliance with Trust policies, Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs), and procurement legislation.

• Undertake contract monitoring, analysing activity, finance, and quality performance indicators to ensure value for money.

• Support negotiation, variation, and implementation of contracts with senior colleagues as required.

• Identify risks, underperformance, and escalate issues while supporting resolution with providers.

• Contribute to annual contracting processes and wider financial and service planning cycles.

• Resolve complex contract issues between the Trust and suppliers.

• Design and deliver contract management training programs for staff, embedding compliant and efficient procurement behaviours.

• Contribute to the Trust’s Contract Management Strategy.

Governance and Compliance:

• Maintain accurate records of all contracts, adhering to audit, governance, and statutory requirements.

• Ensure compliance with Trust policies, SFIs, and procurement legislation (Procurement Act 2023, Provider Selection Regime 2024, Public Contracts Regulations 2015).

• Support development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and improve contract management systems.

Advisory and Analytical Responsibilities:

• Provide expert contract and financial advice to clinical and corporate teams.

• Analyse complex contract performance and financial information, producing high-quality reports for senior colleagues and operational teams.

• Use data to identify risks, trends, and recommend actions for effective contract delivery.

• Develop dashboards and spend-analysis tools to support decision-making and contract performance monitoring.

People Management and Leadership:

• Line management responsibility for contract management staff, including Contract Support Officer and Contract Administrator.

• Oversee workload planning, task allocation, objective setting, appraisals, and professional development.

• Promote best practice, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the team.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external providers.

• Communicate complex contractual and financial information clearly to all stakeholders.

• Represent the contract management function in meetings, ensuring the Trust’s interests are represented.

About Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trusts

With over 19,000 staff, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trusts is one of the city’s largest employers and plays a key role in supporting the health and wellbeing of the local population. The Trust leads in research, education, and innovation, providing personal development opportunities for its staff. The organisation values diversity and encourages applications from people who identify as Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, or Disabled.

Person Specification

Training & Qualifications:

• Essential: Masters level or equivalent relevant experience; evidence of continuing professional development in contract management, procurement, or NHS management.

• Desirable: Chartered membership of CIPS (or working towards), leadership or management qualification.

Experience:

• Essential: Extensive contract management experience in large organisations (preferably NHS); leading contract negotiations; managing a portfolio of contracts autonomously; managing staff.

• Desirable: Experience with healthcare providers or commissioners; supporting contract negotiations and service redesign.

Communication & Relationship Skills:

• Essential: Strong communication skills; ability to explain complex information; influence and challenge providers; lead meetings and contract review discussions.

• Desirable: Participation in stakeholder meetings, contract review boards, or committees.

Analytical & Judgement Skills:

• Analyse complex data to identify issues and recommend solutions.

• Undertake financial analysis, forecasting, and scenario modelling to support decisions.

Planning & Organisation Skills:

• Manage workload effectively in a busy environment.

• Plan and lead contract transitions, service changes, or procurement activities.

• Coordinate contract monitoring processes and reporting.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check:

• Subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; submission to DBS required.

Certificate of Sponsorship:

• Applications from job seekers requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK will be considered.

How to Apply

For full details and to submit your application, visit the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trusts official website — click here to submit your application.