South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a Contracts Manager to support the management of healthcare contracts, commissioner relationships, financial performance and contractual compliance.
The role involves working with NHS commissioners, ICBs, internal directorates and external partners to monitor performance, manage contractual requirements, identify risks and support the Trust’s delivery of its strategic and financial objectives.
The post will contribute to the management of contracts generating approximately £250 million in Trust income, covering a range of healthcare and service arrangements.
Job Details
- Employer: South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
- Job title: Contracts Manager
- Band: 7
- Salary: £55,524 – £62,652 per year, including HCAS
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Location: Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham, London
- Reference: 334-NCL-8254844-MU
- Date posted: 21 September 2026
- Closing date: 5 October 2026
About the Role
As Contracts Manager, you will support the Trust’s day-to-day contract and performance management activities.
You will work closely with finance teams, clinical and operational directorates, commissioners and external organisations to ensure contracts are properly managed, performance requirements are understood and issues are identified and addressed promptly.
The role covers contracts involving NHS commissioners, ICBs, local authorities, independent providers and third-sector organisations.
Key Responsibilities
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting delivery against contractual and performance management requirements.
- Working with Finance to monitor financial performance and contract costings.
- Reviewing and maintaining service specifications and contractual documentation.
- Analysing information and performance data to support business decisions.
- Establishing and maintaining activity and compliance reporting.
- Monitoring data quality and escalating issues when necessary.
- Managing commissioner enquiries and contractual issues.
- Coordinating contract performance and financial reporting across departments.
- Supporting contract reviews, negotiations and renegotiations.
- Maintaining relationships with commissioners and external agencies.
- Supporting directorates to meet contractual performance standards.
- Monitoring compliance with NHS England and ICB contractual requirements.
- Developing activity plans, disinvestment plans and contract schedules.
- Coordinating responses to consultations and contractual disputes.
- Supporting tendering and service development activity.
- Identifying opportunities to improve contract, performance, finance and information-management processes.
- Supporting annual contract development and negotiation for major contracts.
- Keeping up to date with relevant NHS guidance, information governance requirements and contractual policies.
Contracts Covered
The successful applicant may work across a range of arrangements, including:
- Cost and volume contracts
- Cost-per-case arrangements
- Mental Health Tariff cluster-based contracts
- Outcome-based contracts
- Block contracts
- Framework contracts
- Non-contract activity
- Provider-to-provider agreements
- Healthcare purchasing contracts
- Income-generation and new-business contracts
Essential Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- A degree-level qualification, ideally in a numerate discipline, or equivalent knowledge gained through post-qualification experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
A postgraduate qualification in a related field is desirable.
Essential Experience
The Trust is looking for candidates with experience in areas such as:
- Performance management frameworks and/or healthcare contract management.
- Contract negotiation and performance meetings.
- Schedule development and business planning.
- Financial and information management.
- Data reporting, interpretation and presentation.
- Project and programme management.
- Implementing organisational change.
- Adapting existing templates for different contractual arrangements.
Experience creating contracts for arrangements where no standard template exists is desirable.
Knowledge and Skills
Applicants should demonstrate:
- The ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
- Knowledge of NHS performance requirements.
- Understanding of NHS Standard Contracts and contractual requirements.
- Knowledge of different contract models, including block, cost and volume and cost-per-case arrangements.
- Understanding of Data Protection, Caldicott and Information Governance requirements.
- Awareness of contractual and legal concepts such as indemnities, liability limitations and intellectual property.
- Strong communication, negotiation and organisational skills.
Knowledge of performance and contract management systems used in mental healthcare organisations is desirable.
Why This Opportunity May Interest Applicants
This Band 7 position offers the opportunity to work at a large NHS mental health trust while developing experience across healthcare contracting, financial management, performance management, commissioner relationships and service development.
The role also provides exposure to major NHS and ICB contracts and involves working with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
Visa Sponsorship
Skilled Worker sponsorship: Applications are welcome.
The employer states that applications from candidates who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications.
Applicants who require sponsorship should still check their individual eligibility and the current UK immigration requirements before applying.
DBS Check
This position is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act Exceptions Order 1975.
Employer
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
The Trust provides NHS mental health and substance misuse services across London and operates a large network of inpatient, outpatient and community services.
Location
Bethlem Royal Hospital
Monks Orchard Road
Beckenham
BR3 3BX
United Kingdom
Application / Selection Process
Applications should be submitted through the official NHS Jobs vacancy.
The closing date is 5 October 2026, so applicants should review the essential criteria carefully and demonstrate relevant experience in healthcare contracting, performance management, financial reporting, negotiation and stakeholder management.
Important Applicant Check
Before applying, make sure your application clearly demonstrates how your previous experience matches the essential requirements, particularly healthcare contract management, NHS contractual frameworks, performance management, financial reporting, data analysis and negotiation.
Candidates requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship should also confirm that they meet the applicable immigration and role eligibility requirements.