Senior NHS Contracts Manager
Chelmsford Health Centre · Chelmsford, Essex · Full-time · Hybrid working (3 days on-site / 2 days remote)
About Chelmsford Health Centre
Chelmsford Health Centre (CHC) is an innovative, purpose-built private facility delivering urgent care, private GP, specialist outpatient clinics and on-site diagnostics to the Chelmsford community. Since opening in January 2025 we have welcomed hundreds of patients, earned outstanding feedback, and attracted attention from local leaders and NHS colleagues alike. Our next chapter focuses on deepening collaboration with NHS partners to relieve elective backlogs and widen patient choice.
The opportunity
We are looking for a seasoned contracts professional to lead, shape and manage our commercial relationships with NHS bodies across Essex. Reporting to the CEO, you will act as CHC’s expert on NHS commercial frameworks—identifying partnership opportunities, structuring service-level agreements, and ensuring high-quality, compliant delivery once contracts are in place.
This is a strategic growth post that will suit someone who combines sharp commercial acumen with a genuine passion for patient-centred healthcare.
What you’ll be doing
Partnership development – Build trusted, long-term relationships with local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), NHS trusts and primary-care networks, positioning CHC as a responsive, high-quality service partner.
Bid & contract lifecycle management – Lead the end-to-end process: horizon-scanning, qualification, proposal development, negotiation, mobilisation, performance monitoring and renewal.
Service design & governance – Work with clinical leads to shape service models that align with NHS commissioning priorities, tariff rules and national guidance.
Stakeholder engagement – Represent CHC at regional forums, working groups and board-level meetings; prepare clear briefings and business cases for internal and external audiences.
Quality, compliance & reporting – Maintain robust contractual governance, KPI dashboards and risk registers; ensure CQC, GDPR and NHS standard contract requirements are met.
Market intelligence – Track policy changes, procurement pipelines and best practice to keep CHC ahead of the curve.
What you’ll bring
Significant track record (c. 5–7 years+) in NHS contract management, commissioning or business development, ideally at Band 8a/8b level or equivalent.
Direct experience working within an Essex-based NHS trust, foundation trust, ICB or CSU, with an established local network.
Demonstrable success winning, implementing and managing multi-year clinical service contracts (urgent care, outpatient, diagnostics or day-case preferred).
Expert knowledge of the NHS Standard Contract, payment mechanisms (PBR, AQP, block, ICB frameworks) and contract assurance processes.
Strong commercial and analytical skills: financial modelling, risk assessment, KPI design.
Confident communicator able to influence senior clinical and non-clinical stakeholders and translate strategic objectives into operational actions.
Degree (or equivalent) in business, healthcare management, law or related field; further commercial or project-management qualifications are desirable.
What we offer
Impact from day one – Shape partnerships that directly improve patient access and reduce waiting times across Essex.
Competitive package – Salary in line with NHS Band 8c plus performance-related bonus, 33 days’ annual leave (inc. bank holidays) and NHS pension continuation or matched private scheme.
Hybrid flexibility – Blend on-site collaboration with remote working to suit your schedule and stakeholders.
Cutting-edge environment – Work in a modern facility with state-of-the-art diagnostics, lean decision-making and an entrepreneurial leadership team.
Professional growth – CPD allowance, leadership coaching and opportunities to influence service expansion (imaging, endoscopy, day surgery and AI-enabled pathways).
How to apply
Click “Apply” to submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining a recent contract win or partnership you are proud of. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a one-stage interview and presentation at our Chelmsford site.
For an informal conversation, contact Dr Raja Mohan (CEO) at raja@rainbowlabs.co.uk
Chelmsford Health Centre is an equal-opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
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