Job overview
The Assistant Director (Contract Management) provides senior commercial leadership to embed a Trust‑wide, post‑award contract management function that delivers value for money, financial control and effective supplier performance across University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Reporting to the Chief Procurement Officer, the postholder operates with significant professional autonomy, providing assurance to Executive Directors and senior governance forums.
The role leads contract governance, assurance and compliance, ensuring adherence to the Procurement Act 2023, Provider Selection Regime, counter‑fraud requirements and Trust Standing Financial Instructions. Acting as senior escalation for high‑value, high‑risk and complex contracts, the postholder manages disputes and mitigates financial, operational and reputational risk.
A core responsibility is supporting financial recovery through leadership of the Contract Management Cost Improvement Programme (CIP), using contract data and supplier performance insight to deliver and sustain cash‑releasing savings and prevent value leakage. The postholder is accountable for effective use of contract management systems, maintaining accurate contract registers, and robust reporting.
The role also provides professional leadership for contract managers and develops strategic supplier relationships to improve service quality, efficiency and patient outcomes.
Main duties of the job
See the attached job description for a full list of duties, responsibilities and person specification.
1. Lead and embed a Trust‑wide post‑award contract management function, ensuring consistent governance and effective supplier performance across divisions.
2. Provide senior commercial leadership and act as escalation for high‑value, high‑risk and complex contracts, including dispute resolution.
3. Deliver strong financial grip and control over non‑pay spend, preventing value leakage and securing contractual benefits and service credits.
4. Lead the Contract Management Cost Improvement Programme (CIP), delivering and sustaining cash‑releasing savings.
5. Provide expert commercial assurance to Executive Directors, Audit Committee and Finance‑led committees on contract risk, performance and value for money.
6. Ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, Provider Selection Regime, counter‑fraud requirements and Trust Standing Financial Instructions.
7. Lead contract governance, assurance and audit activity, including internal and external audit responses.
8. Act as Senior Responsible Owner for contract management systems, ensuring accurate registers, data quality and reporting.
9. Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships to improve performance, innovation and service quality.
10. Act as professional lead for the Trust’s contract management community, setting standards, building capability and holding suppliers to account.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
See the attached job description for a full list of main duties and responsibilities and person specification.
The Assistant Director (Contract Management) provides senior commercial leadership to establish and embed a Trust‑wide, post‑award contract management function that delivers value for money, financial control and strong supplier performance across University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Reporting to the Chief Procurement Officer, the postholder operates with significant professional autonomy and delegated authority, providing assurance to Executive Directors and senior governance forums.
The role leads the Trust’s approach to contract governance, assurance and compliance, ensuring adherence to the Procurement Act 2023, Provider Selection Regime, counter‑fraud requirements and Trust Standing Financial Instructions. The postholder acts as senior escalation for high‑value, high‑risk and complex contracts, resolving disputes and mitigating financial, operational and reputational risk.
A core responsibility is driving financial recovery through leadership of the Contract Management Cost Improvement Programme (CIP), using contract data, analytics and supplier performance management to identify, deliver and sustain cash‑releasing savings and prevent value leakage. The role is accountable for effective use of contract management systems, maintaining accurate contract registers, reporting and assurance.
The postholder acts as professional lead for the Trust’s contract management community, setting standards, building capability and ensuring suppliers are held to account, while developing strong strategic supplier relationships that improve service quality, efficiency and patient outcomes.
Person specification
Experience/ Qualifications / Skills
Essential criteria
11. Experience / Qualifications
12. Knowledge
13. Skills
14. People Management and Development
15. Specific Requirements
16. Freedom to Act
Desirable criteria
17. Experience / Qualifications
18. Knowledge
19. Skills
20. People Management and Development
21. Specific Requirements
Equality Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
22. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
23. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications