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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead NHS contracts, build partnerships, and ensure quality service delivery.
- Company: Chelmsford Health Centre is a modern facility focused on urgent care and patient-centred healthcare.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, 33 days leave, and professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient access while working in a cutting-edge environment.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years in NHS contract management; degree in business or healthcare management preferred.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and innovation in healthcare.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
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
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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Senior NHS Contracts Manager employer: Chelmsford Health Centre
Contact Detail:
Chelmsford Health Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior NHS Contracts Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the NHS sector, especially those within Essex. Attend local healthcare events or forums to connect with Integrated Care Boards and NHS trusts, as building these relationships can give you an edge in understanding their needs and priorities.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest NHS policies and procurement pipelines. This knowledge will not only help you in discussions but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead of industry changes, which is crucial for a role focused on partnership development.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of successful contract management or partnership wins in your previous roles. Highlighting your direct experience with multi-year clinical service contracts will showcase your capability and align with what we’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the NHS Standard Contract and its payment mechanisms. Being able to speak confidently about these frameworks during interviews will position you as a knowledgeable candidate who understands the complexities of NHS contracts.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior NHS Contracts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in NHS contract management and showcases your achievements in partnership development. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in managing multi-year clinical service contracts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, focus on a recent contract win or partnership that you are proud of. Clearly outline your role in the process and the impact it had on patient care or service delivery, aligning it with the values of Chelmsford Health Centre.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your strong commercial acumen, analytical skills, and ability to influence stakeholders. Mention your knowledge of NHS frameworks and compliance requirements, as these are crucial for the role.
Prepare for the Interview: If shortlisted, be ready to discuss your previous experiences in detail. Prepare to present your approach to contract lifecycle management and how you would contribute to Chelmsford Health Centre's goals in improving patient access and reducing waiting times.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chelmsford Health Centre
✨Know Your NHS Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the NHS Standard Contract and various payment mechanisms. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will demonstrate your expertise and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Network
Highlight your connections within Essex-based NHS trusts and Integrated Care Boards. Discussing specific relationships you've built can illustrate your ability to foster partnerships, which is crucial for this position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about managing contracts and partnerships. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated challenges or implemented effective solutions in contract management.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your analytical skills and how you've used them in previous roles. Providing examples of financial modelling or risk assessment will show that you have the sharp commercial insight needed for this role.