Contract Relationship Lead

Responsible for leading a portfolio of contracts and contracts team.

Develop and maintain strong relationships with providers and stakeholders, acting as the main named point of contact and relationship lead for the portfolio.

Working closely with the Associate Director, contribute to the development of contract negotiation strategies and lead on elements of contractual planning.

Lead the negotiation, and management of provider contracts, including variations in year to drive continuous improvement to outcomes.

Implement agreed stakeholder and contractual management processes, ensuring effective monitoring and reporting of provider contractual delivery, working closely with the contract's payer function.

Ensure appropriate oversight of activity, finance and outcome performance and subsequent reporting to ICB Board and relevant sub committees to provide assurance on effective contractual delivery.

Acting as the relationship lead on contractual matters for the ICB, coordinate subject matter expertise from across the ICB in a matrix way, to ensure a cohesive and holistic assessment of performance, risks and opportunities.

Work closely with NHS England teams leading on performance management to support coordinated oversight and reporting on delivery at provider level and ICB level, providing assurance on the ICBs contract management approach.

Support transformation initiatives and service redesign through relationships and contractual levers, working closely with commissioning colleagues to ensure successful implementation of new care models, working flexibly to adapt to new and emerging contractual frameworks, i.e. Neighbourhood health.

Lead the identification of risks, design and implementation of mitigation strategies, ensuring timely resolution and appropriate escalation where necessary.

Lead on development, implementation and assurance of recovery plans where there is performance variation against contract deliverables, creating an environment of trusted check and challenge dialogue with providers.

Lead on activity and financial planning and forecasting related to provider contracts.

Contribute to strategic and operational planning requirements, ensuring appropriate translation into effective contract approaches.The Contract Relationship Lead provides operational and managerial leadership across a defined portfolio, ensuring that priorities are delivered effectively and in line with organisational and system objectives. Working closely with the Head of Service and Associate Director, the postholder will translate strategic ambitions into achievable delivery plans and measurable outcomes.

A core aspect of the role is to maintain high standards of service delivery and governance, ensuring performance targets are met, risks are managed, andimprovement opportunities are realised. The Lead will encourage innovation, empower teams, and ensure that decision-making is informed by data and evidence.

Through effective leadership, collaboration, and a strong focus on outcomes, the Lead contributes to the ICBs vision of integrated, high-quality, and sustainable care for the local population.

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications. Applicants are advised to submit their application at the earliest opportunity, as we may close the advert without prior notice.

We are committed to promoting equal opportunities to achieve equity of access, experience and outcomes and to recognising and valuing people's differences. We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity; we see this as a strength and part of our founding mission, values and behaviours. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers patient outcomes.

We are committed to creating the best place to work, where your contribution is valued, your wellbeing is supported and all our colleagues can reach their full potential. We welcome and encourage applications from all areas of the community, who meet the criteria for the role, regardless of their protected characteristic. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone, including making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition and support with the recruitment process for people with lived experience.

We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles.

We operate a Carer friendly working environment that is supportive and inclusive. We actively encourage Carers to self-identify themselves.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and commit to shortlisting suitable applicants who meet the essential criteria for an interview. Please inform us of any adjustments you may require.

Job Description and Person Specification

Essential: - Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification