At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead large healthcare contracts, ensuring exceptional service and compliance across multiple services.
- Company: Join Medirest, the UK's leading healthcare catering and Soft FM provider.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, private healthcare, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while shaping the future of Soft FM services.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing large-scale Soft FM contracts and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Medirest, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is seeking an exceptional Contract Director to lead the delivery of large, complex, multi-million-pound healthcare contracts across major NHS sites.
The Role
As Contract Director, you will have full P&L responsibility for a diverse portfolio of Soft FM services including cleaning, catering, retail and support services, leading large on-site teams and partnering closely with NHS Trust leadership. This role is about more than delivery - it’s about strategy, innovation, and commercial leadership in one of the most complex and rewarding sectors.
Key Responsibilities
- Commercial & Financial Leadership
- Full ownership of multi-million-pound budgets, forecasting, and financial performance
- Drive profitability, cost control, and sustainable growth opportunities
- Lead contract negotiations, variations, and re-tenders
- Contract & Compliance Management
- Ensure consistent delivery against SLAs, KPIs, and regulatory standards
- Maintain full compliance across all Soft FM services within a healthcare environment
- Operational Excellence
- Set and maintain exceptional service standards across all service lines
- Champion safety, quality, and continuous improvement in patient-focused environments
- Senior Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the senior strategic partner to NHS Trust executives
- Build long-term, trusted relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal leaders
- Leadership & Culture
- Lead, inspire, and develop large, multidisciplinary management teams
- Create a high-performance culture focused on accountability, engagement, and talent development
- Risk & Governance
- Proactively identify and mitigate operational, financial, and compliance risks
- Ensure a safe, secure, and resilient service for patients, staff, and visitors
About You
You are a commercially astute, confident leader with a proven track record managing large-scale Soft FM contracts, ideally within healthcare or similarly complex environments. You will bring:
- Significant senior-level experience in Healthcare Soft FM Contract Management
- Strong P&L ownership and commercial decision-making capability
- Experience leading large teams across multi-service operations
- Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills
- A customer-centric mindset with an understanding of NHS and healthcare challenges
- Strategic thinking combined with the ability to deliver operationally
What We Offer
We recognise senior talent with a highly competitive and attractive reward package, including:
- Competitive executive salary (commensurate with experience)
- Performance-related bonus
- Car allowance or executive travel benefits
- Contributory pension scheme
- Private healthcare & Digital GP access for you and your family
- Structured career progression within Compass Group UK&I
- Access to MyLearning and Career Pathways development programmes
- Extensive retail, travel, leisure, and lifestyle discounts
- Wellness support, mindfulness sessions, and wellbeing initiatives
- Benefits and offers you can share with family and friends
Why Medirest?
Medirest is the UK’s leading healthcare catering and Soft FM provider, trusted by NHS Trusts nationwide. As part of Compass Group, we offer scale, stability, and career opportunity, while making a real difference to patient and staff experiences every day. Diversity is Our Strength. Inclusion is Our Culture.
Contract Director – Healthcare employer: Medirest
Medirest, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is an exceptional employer that offers a competitive salary and market-leading benefits for the Contract Director role in healthcare. With a strong focus on employee growth, a high-performance culture, and the opportunity to influence the future of Soft FM services across major NHS sites, Medirest fosters a supportive work environment where diversity and inclusion are celebrated. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector while enjoying extensive career development opportunities and wellness initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Director – Healthcare
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Medirest.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Medirest.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Medirest, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Director – Healthcare
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Medirest.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Medirest.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Medirest. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Medirest. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Medirest
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Medirest’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
