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.
* 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.
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.
Qualifications
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.
Benefits
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.
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.
Please refer to the job description attached.
If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.
This advert closes on Sunday 22 Mar 2026
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