Contract Manager

Posting date:	18 February 2026
Salary:	£47,810.00 to £54,710.00 per year
Additional salary information:	£47810.00 - £54710.00 a year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	03 March 2026
Location:	Crewe, CW1 6ZQ
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	C9412-26-0083

Summary

JOB PURPOSE The Contract Manager is responsible for supporting the Head of Contracts in the planning, management, and continual improvement of the contract management service to the organisation. The department provides an efficient, effective and responsible service maximising best value for money whilst complying with relevant guidance and legislation. They will have a key role in supporting the achievement of the Trusts strategic objectives and delivery of operational and transformation programmes by improving quality through the agreement and management of clear and robust contractual arrangements with providers. SERVICE DELIVERY 1. To deputise for the Head of Contracts as and when required. 2. To provide expert advice and guidance on a range of contract issues ensuring compliance with the Trusts policies, national guidance and current legislation (Provider Selection Regime 2023). 3. Day-to-day operational responsibility for the Trusts contract repository, ensuring all information is accurate and up to date to enable compliant reporting. 4. Use the established contract repository to formulate work plans to ensure timely delivery of divisional contract programmes of work. 5. Working with divisional representatives to identify and support operational needs and challenges. 6. Support the Head of Contracts in the management of a complex and varied contracts portfolio and be responsible for specific aspects of the portfolio of contracts, including ICB and NHS England, NHS Trusts and Independent Sector. 7. Facilitate and manage contract processes including, the negotiation of contracts, contract development, contract award and on-going contract monitoring. 8. Influence and engage with internal and external stakeholders in ensuring contract awards deliver quality for patient care and value for money. 9. Support the Divisions in achieving the national efficiency initiatives. 10. Communicate and engage with finance colleagues to ensure contract pricing demonstrates value for money, and that price competitiveness is maintained or enhanced. 11. Following contract award ensure all requirements of the PSR Regulations 2023 are recorded, including publication of contract awards on any relevant procurement portals i.e. Contract Finder. 12. Conduct regular contract review meetings with providers and key stake holders to ensure contracts are performing as expected and ensure any concerns are communicated in a timely manner to avoid any service disruption. 13. Liaise with senior procurement staff, Divisional Directors, Service Leads, Commissioners and ICB/NHSE Contract Leads in relation to the day-to-day management of any contract enquiries or issues arising. 14. Develop and maintain a network of appropriate internal and external contacts and partners to assist in the delivery of Trust services, works and contracts. 15. To represent the Trusts Contract Service at internal or external meetings as required. 16. Support in the development and update of the contract training programme and deliver to Trust Managers to ensure all contractual terms and obligations are fully understood and both financial and service delivery risks are minimised. 17. Other ad hoc duties as may be required. 18. Support the Head of Contracts in the Contract Strategy and develop and implement contract management policies and service development processes to influence colleagues for practical implementation. GOVERNANCE 1. To ensure the contract service and portfolio is compliance with the Trusts Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs), Standing Orders (SOs), Scheme of Reservation and Delegation (SoRD) and Trust policies. 2. Ensure compliance with Trust policies, procedures and guidelines for self and others, by taking action/alerting senior management team if practice appears to contravene policy, or if concerned about any aspect of patient care. MANAGERIAL/LEADERSHIP Ensure a healthy, safe and secure working environment, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, maintaining accurate documentation and reporting any concerns. EDUCATION/LEARNING Take responsibility for own learning and development by recognising and taking advantage of all opportunities to learn, including full participation in KSF/appraisal, supervision, action learning and by maintaining a professional/personal portfolio of learning. This job description is an outline of the role and function. It is not intended to describe all specific tasks. All staff at MCHFT have a responsibility to: Maintain active registration status Always act in accordance with professional Codes of Conduct and guiding documents Where applicable, always act in accordance with the Code of Conduct for NHS Managers, Maintain up to date skills and knowledge Maintain an awareness of patient led service issues Maintain a professional/personal portfolio Adhere to all Trust policy, procedures and guidelines. Adhere to Trust standards of behaviour and expected performance Comply with Infection Prevention and Control (IP&C) policies and procedures as appropriate to their role and responsibilities in their individual work setting. Staff are required to be personally accountable for their actions and be responsible for their own compliance in relation to IP&C polices, protocols or advice. Ensure they work in accordance with local procedures and report any issues which they consider to be a risk to the health and safety of themselves and/or others. Act in accordance with the Trusts values Where applicable to participate in and provide data on the efficacy of treatment and specialties Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is looking to ensure that we provide equity of services across seven days of the week. This post may be reviewed in line with this plan and in some cases an element of weekend working may be required. PERSON SPECIFICATION JOB TITLE ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE ASSESS BY QUALIFICATIONS KNOWLEDGE/ PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE Post-Graduate Qualification in a relevant subject (or other qualifications plus relevant experience) Demonstrate and understanding of a range of work procedures and practices, which requires expertise within a specialism or discipline, underpinned by theoretical knowledge or relevant practical experience Experience in managing complex contract for a wide and varied portfolio of contacts in excess of £1m. Experience of the NHS Standard Contract and NHS Finance. Experience of working in the NHS and an understanding of current issues and challenges. A/I SKILLS Experience of working under pressure to strict deadlines, prioritising own workload, and that of others. Excellent organisational and planning skills. Ability to remain focused under pressure. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent analytical and numerical skills Development of policy and implementation of processes. Ability to work on own initiative and with autonomy. A/I VALUES A commitment to quality and safety. A recognition of the importance of showing respect, dignity and compassion to patients and colleagues. A listening, learning and leading approach. A commitment to work together to create the best outcomes. Must demonstrate the Trusts values around both raising concerns at work, and how to treat others who raise concerns. A/R BEHAVIOURS Must be willing to act as a role model for the department and organisation. Must be willing to take personal responsibility. Must have the courage to speak up. Must value and appreciate the worth of others. A/R PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Reasonable adjustments will be made under the Disability Discrimination Act) Occupational Health cleared to perform the duties of the role. Ability to perform a wide range of duties according to the Job Description. There is frequent requirement for intense concentration. KEY: Application form = A Interview = I References = R Skills test = S