National Contract Manager

Job Summary

As National Contract Manager, you will help NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) deliver safe, effective and high-quality facilities services that support our life-saving work across the UK. You will lead the management and improvement of national facilities management contracts, working with suppliers, colleagues and senior stakeholders to ensure services are compliant, cost-effective and meet the needs of our people and sites. Using your expertise, you will drive performance, manage risk and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. You will also play a key role in shaping and implementing future service contracts, helping NHSBT deliver lasting improvements for colleagues, donors and patients. This is an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful purpose, influence national services and continue to develop your expertise while supporting our commitment to being Caring, Expert and Quality in everything we do.

Main duties of the job

• Lead the management of national facilities management contracts, ensuring services are safe, compliant and deliver value for money.
• Drive supplier performance through effective governance, performance monitoring and continuous improvement activities.
• Support the delivery of high-quality environments that enable colleagues to provide vital services to donors, patients and partners.
• Oversee contract compliance, audits and assurance processes to manage risk and maintain service standards.
• Manage budgets, forecasting and commercial activities to ensure resources are used effectively.
• Contribute to the procurement, mobilisation and implementation of future facilities management contracts.
• Analyse performance, financial and operational data to provide clear insights and recommendations for improvement.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, technical specialists and senior stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Develop effective contract management processes, reporting tools and performance frameworks that support quality outcomes.
• Lead and support colleagues, creating a culture of collaboration, learning and continuous improvement.

Willingness to travel extensively across the UK including overnight stays where required, with appropriate prior notice.

About You

Experience and Knowledge

• Significant post‑qualification experience in estates/FM contract management or similar, including PFI/TFM or complex multi‑site contracts.
• Track record of budget management, invoice validation, and delivering savings without compromising quality/compliance.
• Experience leading policy/service development across a department or directorate (frameworks, SOPs, dashboards).
• Working knowledge of statutory/HTM compliance areas relevant to E&F (e.g., PSSR/BCGA, WSP/Legionella, ventilation, fire safety, asbestos) and the role of AEs/Independent Advisors.
• Experience preparing and presenting board‑level reports with sensitive/contentious content.

Qualifications and Training

• Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in engineering, estates/facilities, business, or related discipline.
• Specialist training in contract management/NEC/Standard NHS Contract, supplier relationship management, or equivalent CPD.