Head of Contracts

Person Specification

We are looking for an experienced contracts professional with strong technical knowledge, excellent negotiation skills and the ability to lead a team and build effective relationships with senior stakeholders.

Essential qualifications and experience

Educated to Master's level or equivalent relevant experience, with a postgraduate qualification or significant experience in contracting. Extensive experience in technical contract management, including drafting, negotiating, interpreting and managing complex contracts. Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, building relationships across organisations and communicating complex contractual matters effectively. Experience preparing contracts, business papers and reports for senior management. Experience working across multiple organisations or business entities, including NHS, independent-sector or other commercial environments. Leadership and line management experience.

Essential skills and abilities

Strong organisational, negotiation and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently, set priorities and deliver objectives to deadlines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to manage sensitive or contentious discussions and secure agreement through effective negotiation. Ability to review contractual and legal documentation and advise senior managers on potential concerns. Strong IT skills, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Understanding of financial information and its relationship to contractual arrangements and negotiations.

Desirable criteria

Senior-level NHS experience, ideally covering both primary and secondary care contracting or commissioning. Experience in procurement, tendering and project management. A relevant contract management qualification, CIPS qualification or equivalent professional experience.

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