Job summary
Are you an experienced senior finance leader with a passion for driving excellence in NHS contracting, income management and clinical coding? Do you thrive on building strategic relationships, influencing system partners and ensuring financial sustainability? If so, we want to hear from you.
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Head of Contracting, Income and Clinical Coding to lead a critical portfolio at the heart of the Trust's financial success. This is a key role within our Finance Directorate, reporting to the Deputy Chief Finance Officer, with responsibility for contracts totalling c. £760m.
This role is pivotal to shaping the Trust's financial position and ensuring that work undertaken for patients is accurately recorded, fairly reimbursed, and strategically aligned with service priorities.
Why Join ESHT?
At East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, you'll join an organisation committed to Kindness, Integrity and Inclusivity, and a Finance team focused on innovation, collaboration and development.
You will have the opportunity to:
* Influence the financial sustainability of a large and diverse Trust
* Lead talented teams across contracting, income and coding
* Play a key role in supporting high-quality care for our communities
We offer flexible working where possible, opportunities for further development, and the chance to make a real impact in a senior leadership role.
Main duties of the job
About the Role
As the Trust's senior expert on all matters relating to NHS contracts and income, you will:
* Lead the tactical and operational management of all patient service contracts with NHSE, ICBs, other trusts and private providers.
* Drive the Trust's annual commissioning and contracting round, negotiating on behalf of the organisation and advising senior leaders on financial, operational and legal implications.
* Ensure robust income planning, monitoring and monthly reporting--internally and externally.
* Lead the Clinical Coding service to achieve 100% timely and accurate SUS-compliant coding.
* Oversee dispute resolution, contract variations, and strategic developments in contracting across the local health economy.
We are looking for a highly experienced senior finance professional with:
* Professional CCAB qualification and demonstrable continuing professional development.
* Extensive NHS financial experience, particularly in contracting, Payment by Results and the current NHS financial regime.
* Strong leadership and team-management experience.
* Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to articulate complex information to a range of audiences.
* Highly developed analytical skills with the ability to convert complex data into high-quality information.
* A collaborative, strategic mindset with the confidence to represent the Trust at local and regional levels.
About us
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.
In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.
There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.
Statement on the Use of AI
We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.
Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.
We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.
Details
Date posted
18 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8c
Salary
£76,965 to £88,682 a year per annum, pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
374-LC3525
Job locations
Conquest Hospital
St Leonards On Sea
TN37 7RD
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the job description attached.
If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the job description attached.
If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Professional CCAB Qualified
* Evidence of ongoing CPD in specialist area at advanced level
* Management Qualification
Desirable
* Additional qualifications in a relevant discipline
Experience
Essential
* Proven relevant NHS financial experience at senior level
* Extensive knowledge and understanding of the current NHS financial regime and new NHS financial environment, including Payment by Results and Contracting
* Experience of staff management
* Experience of NHS Commissioning
* Expert financial modelling skills, ability to design, introduce and develop systems.
Desirable
* Experience of working in a variety of functions within the NHS e.g. Financial Management, Financial Accounting/Services, Cost and Contracting, Capital, Audit, Financial Planning and Commissioning
Skills
Essential
* Excellent inter-personal, communication and negotiation skills
* Knowledge of Overseas visitor income and the Trust obligations regarding this.
* Highly developed communication skills with the ability to communicate complex financial data to non-finance managers
* Able to understand and interpret national financial policies and advising the Trust on their implementation
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Professional CCAB Qualified
* Evidence of ongoing CPD in specialist area at advanced level
* Management Qualification
Desirable
* Additional qualifications in a relevant discipline
Experience
Essential
* Proven relevant NHS financial experience at senior level
* Extensive knowledge and understanding of the current NHS financial regime and new NHS financial environment, including Payment by Results and Contracting
* Experience of staff management
* Experience of NHS Commissioning
* Expert financial modelling skills, ability to design, introduce and develop systems.
Desirable
* Experience of working in a variety of functions within the NHS e.g. Financial Management, Financial Accounting/Services, Cost and Contracting, Capital, Audit, Financial Planning and Commissioning
Skills
Essential
* Excellent inter-personal, communication and negotiation skills
* Knowledge of Overseas visitor income and the Trust obligations regarding this.
* Highly developed communication skills with the ability to communicate complex financial data to non-finance managers
* Able to understand and interpret national financial policies and advising the Trust on their implementation
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Address
Conquest Hospital
St Leonards On Sea
TN37 7RD
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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Employer details
Employer name
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Address
Conquest Hospital
St Leonards On Sea
TN37 7RD
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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