Contracts Manager

We are looking for a Contracts Manager to oversee a portfolio of contracts that the trust has with external organisations. These range from multi-million pound contracts with independent sector mental health bed providers to small contracts with local charities. This role will lead on these contracts for the Trust, working with operational and clinical colleagues to ensure that we receive good quality services that provide excellent value for money, This role will lead on the entire contract life cycle for the contracts within the portfolio. This will include:

• working with operational and clinical colleagues to specify new contracts
• leading tenders and other processes to secure the most appropriate suppliers
• contract management during the lifetime of each contract, leading contract management meetings with suppliers on behalf of the Trust, This role forms part of the small Strategy and Commercial Development team that leads on contract management for the Trust. Other posts in the team focus on contracts where the Trust is commissioned to deliver services and this role will focus on contracts where the Trust is purchasing services from other organisations.
  
  Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience in contracting, commercial, procurement or a related discipline
• Evidence of continuous professional development in commercial / contracting practice, Extensive experience of contract management in a large, complex organisation, preferably within the NHS including governance, financial and performance reporting, contract variations and renewals.
• Experience using analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex problems, ability to recognise policy implications and how to manage potential competing priorities / interests
Desirable criteria
• Experience of managing staff, including appraisals and development planning.
• Experience of working directly with healthcare providers or commissioners
SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY COMMUNICATION SKILLSEssential criteria
• Strong drafting and written communication skills; able to produce clear, accurate contractual documentation and governance papers.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills; able to work constructively with suppliers and senior stakeholders and represent the organisation credibly and positively in internal and external meetings
  
  Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from the Care Quality Commission.
Our family of over 4,500 members of staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. Everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout, HPFT supports people with mental ill health, learning disabilities and autism across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Norfolk and Essex. We employ around 4,500 people who deliver these services within the community and in inpatient settings. We also deliver a range of nationally commissioned specialist services including Tier 4 services for children and young people, perinatal services and medium and low secure learning disabilities services. We have operated as a NHS Foundation Trust since our authorisation in August 2007.