Contracts Manager: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

The Contracts Manager will play a key role in supporting the North East London Procurement Partnership (NELPP) to deliver effective contract management across an agreed portfolio on behalf of partner NHS organisations. The post holder will ensure contracts are mobilised and managed in line with agreed terms and conditions, performance expectations and governance requirements, supporting delivery of quality, value for money and measurable benefits. Working closely with clinical and corporate stakeholders, suppliers and procurement colleagues, the role will coordinate contract review activity, monitor performance against KPIs and SLAs, manage risks and issues, and support contract variations, renewals and extensions in line with due process. The post holder will contribute to continuous improvement, standardised contract management approaches and strengthened controls and reporting across the partnership.

Main duties of the job

The Contracts Manager is responsible for managing the end-to-end contract lifecycle for a defined portfolio of goods and services across NELPP partner organisations. The postholder will draft, negotiate and execute contractual agreements; ensure robust post-award governance, compliance and risk mitigation; and act as a central coordination point between stakeholders to protect the organisation’s financial and legal interests while supporting safe, effective and value-for-money service delivery.

The role reports to theHead of Procurement and Contracts and works closely with Procurement Managers leading sourcing activity to support timely mobilisation, effective supplier performance management and contract assurance.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience in contracting, commercial, procurement or a related discipline.

Desirable

• Professional qualification in contract management (e.g., WorldCC/NCMA) or MCIPS (or working towards).
• Project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2/APM) or equivalent experience.

Experience & Knowledge

Essential

• Significant experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts within a complex organisation (preferably NHS/public sector).
• Experience managing contracts post-award including governance, KPIs/service levels, change control, variations and renewals.
• Understanding of commercial and legal risk in contracting and practical approaches to mitigation and escalation.
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders and maintaining clear audit trails and documentation standards.
• Experience using contract management and/or document management systems.

Desirable

• Experience working across multiple organisations/partnership settings.
• Experience supporting dispute management, remedies and exit/termination activity.

Skills

Essential

• 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.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail; able to interpret complex terms and identify risks and mitigations.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines; organised and able to maintain pace in a dynamic environment.
• Competent IT skills (Microsoft Office) and ability to handle information securely.

Other

Essential

• High standards of integrity, confidentiality and professionalism.
• Proactive, resilient and solution-focused approach to complex commercial issues.
• Commitment to NHS values and to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable

• Evidence of continuous professional development in commercial/contracting practice.

Closing Date: 6 October 2026