Overview
Job Title: Head of Contracts
Reporting to: Clinical Services Director & Director of Care & Quality
Location: Glasgow/North of England
ACES is an independent provider of NHS eye care services in the community. We support the NHS, whilst providing patients with the highest standards of clinical care from expert consultant ophthalmic surgeons.
About the Role
We are seeking a strategic and experienced Head of Contracts to lead the development, negotiation, and management of healthcare service contracts, with a particular focus on ophthalmic services and broader NHS provision. This pivotal role will oversee relationships with NHS providers, and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), ensuring high-quality, cost-effective service delivery across the region.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the full lifecycle of healthcare contracts, including commissioning, negotiation, performance monitoring, and renewal.
* Manage a portfolio of contracts across our healthcare brands offerings.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with NHS providers, ICBs, and other stakeholders.
* Ensure compliance with NHS contracting regulations and financial governance frameworks.
* Provide strategic input into service redesign, procurement planning, and contract variation processes.
* Present contract performance reports and recommendations to senior leadership and governance boards.
* Lead and develop a high-performing contracts team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
About You
You’ll be a confident leader with a deep understanding of NHS contracting and commissioning processes. You’ll bring:
* Proven experience in managing complex healthcare contracts within the NHS or similar environment.
* Strong knowledge of ophthalmic services and primary care commissioning.
* Excellent negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and analytical skills.
* Ability to interpret and apply NHS financial and performance frameworks (e.g., PbR, HRG, KPIs).
* A strategic mindset with the ability to influence service delivery and transformation.
* Relevant qualifications (e.g., Master’s degree, APMP, CIPFA) are highly desirable.
Benefits
* A competitive salary commensurate with your experience
* 33 days annual leave per year, increasing with length of service
* Pension Scheme
* Private Healthcare
* Complimentary or discounted Laser Eye Surgery, Intraocular Lens surgery or Lipiflow treatment
* Generous Optical Express Friends and Family Discount scheme
* Discounts on other group companies procedures
#J-18808-Ljbffr