Procurement Strategic Contracts ManagerNHS

Job summary

The post-holder is responsible for the oversight, management, and maximisation of commercial opportunities throughout the contract term, of a defined portfolio of strategic non pay spend contracts. This includes effective negotiation, implementation, performance monitoring, risk management and innovation in line with NHS guidance and the Trust's financial plan.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Procurement the role provides expert contractual advice to clinical, operational, and finance colleagues, using complex performance, activity, and financial data to inform contract monitoring, validation, forecasting, and senior decision-making, while supporting annual planning and contracting cycles and the development of supplier relationship management processes within the Trusts contract management database

Working with a high degree of autonomy, the Strategic Contract Manager ensures compliance with procurement legislation, national policy, Standing Financial Instructions, and audit requirements, developing standard operating procedures and undertaking audits of high-risk contracts.

The role includes deputising for the Deputy Director of Procurement and Head of Procurement when required, providing contractual support and guidance to the wider procurement team, representing the Trust confidently at internal and external forums, and building strong relationships with suppliers and senior stakeholders to communicate complex contractual and financial risks clearly and effectively.

Main duties of the job

Responsible for managing strategic contracts within a portfolio valued at >£100m per annum.

Oversees high-value, high-risk contracts.

Supports through contracts optimisation in the delivery of annual procurement enabled savings and cost improvements of c£4m per annum.

Drives value through effective contracts management including performance, quality, and cost control initiatives.

Manages multiple active strategic contracts across clinical and/or corporate categories.

Manages relationships with strategic / critical suppliers.

Works across Trust, Integrated Care Systems (ICS) and East Midlands collaborative boundaries

Advises senior operational, clinical, and executive stakeholders.

Holds suppliers accountable for delivery against KPIs, SLAs, and contractual outcomes.

Leads formal dispute resolution, escalation, and performance improvement plans.

Influences supplier markets through research & innovation

Ensures compliance with procurement legislation, Trust governance, and audit requirements.

Identifies and mitigates contractual risk, ensuring continuity of critical services.

Responsible for projects that impact across services

Closing date of applications: 6th October 2026

Interview date: 20th October 2026

Job description

Please see attached Job description and Person Specification. To apply please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account.

UHDB is committed to fair and transparent recruitment. We welcome authentic applications that reflect your own skills, experience and motivations for the role. While we understand that candidates may use AI tools for grammar, formatting or accessibility purposes, applications that appear to be substantially AIgenerated may be subject to additional review. If this applies to your submission, we will let you know and may ask for clarification. Please ensure your application accurately represents your experience and is written in your own words.

Following the recent update on UK immigration policy for those on a Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, please click on the link to check your eligibility before applying for this post as we may be unable to provide sponsorshipSkilled worker: Health and Care Visa | NHS Employers

Important visa information:Due to UK Home Office immigration rule changes effective from 22 July 2025, applicants sponsored under Occupation Code 6131 (Nursing Auxiliaries and Assistants) may not be eligible to bring dependants under the Skilled Worker route if their Certificate of Sponsorship is issued on or after this date. Applicants are responsible for understanding how these rules apply to their individual circumstances. The Trust cannot provide immigration advice. Further information is available on theSkilled Worker visa: Your partner and children - GOV.UK

Your application (for shortlisting purposes) is assessed based on the Person Specification in the job advert (below).

Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa

Read about the Health and Care Visa for employing overseas nationals (excluding Irish citizens) under the points-based immigration system.

About us

As a trusted organisation at the heart of our communities, we recognise the important role we can play in supporting the public, patients, our own people and local partners in achieving the best of health for the local population and the communities in which they live by providing Exceptional Care Together

Our fundamental Values of Compassion, Openness and Excellence underpin how we intend to work as a Trust and the associated behaviours are becoming embedded in all aspects of how we work.

In return we will offer:

• Development opportunities, both professional and leadership development
• On-going support from recruitment to when you join our team and beyond.
• Staff benefits including employee assistance programme, discounted gym membership, onsite fitness classes, car schemes

Key Facts:

• We see on average 4810 OP appointments a day.
• We are the 4th busiest Trauma & Orthopaedic outpatients department in England - an average of 2077 per week.
• An average of 1115 patients are seen in A&Es across our network every day - 3rd largest in the country.
• Our hospitals admit an average of 195 emergency patients daily.
• Last year we undertook almost 33,700 planned surgical operations in our 57 operating theatres.
• We are one of only 7 Trusts nationally with more than 50 operating theatres.
• We carry out more than 140 elective procedures each working day.
• UHDB is a research active University Hospital with a large and varied portfolio of clinical trials and research opportunities for all staff.