At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and contracting to optimise income and support strategic objectives.
- Company: Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, serving a vibrant community in South East London.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence major decisions and develop leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Engaging role with excellent career growth opportunities in a forward-looking NHS organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare services while working closely with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: CCAB or CIMA qualified with substantial NHS experience in financial planning and contracting.
The predicted salary is between 55300 - 64800 £ per year.
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust is seeking a senior finance leader for the role of Associate Director of Finance – Planning, Income & Contracts. This is a high-impact role at the centre of the Trust’s financial planning, income strategy and commissioner relationships. Reporting to the Director of Finance, the successful candidate will lead on strategic financial planning, contracting, income optimisation and business case development, while acting as a key link between the Trust, clinical directorates and external NHS partners.
It is an excellent opportunity for a commercially astute and highly credible senior finance professional who enjoys operating in a complex stakeholder environment. The role offers broad exposure across planning, contracting, commissioning and performance, with the chance to influence major organisational decisions, shape financial strategy and support the Trust in responding to a changing healthcare landscape.
This position will lead the financial planning and contracting agenda across the organisation, ensuring the Trust has robust plans, effective processes and strong external relationships in place to support delivery of its strategic objectives. You will take the lead on the Trust’s medium and longer-term financial planning, annual planning cycle, income and contract management, and the financial input into business cases and service developments. You will also play a central role in negotiations with commissioners and other partners, ensuring contracts are structured, managed and monitored effectively while protecting the Trust’s financial position.
This is a role for someone who is comfortable working at both strategic and operational level, able to bring together financial, activity and performance information and turn it into clear recommendations and credible plans.
Key responsibilities- Lead the Trust’s financial planning framework, including annual, medium-term and longer-term planning
- Oversee income, contracts and commissioning processes across the organisation
- Lead on the financial aspects of business cases, service changes and strategic developments
- Manage contract negotiations with ICBs and other commissioners, covering cost, activity, quality and performance
- Ensure robust reporting, forecasting and analysis in relation to income, contracts and financial performance
- Support the Trust’s response to national policy, payment mechanism and commissioning changes
- Work closely with clinical and operational leaders to ensure directorates are well supported through planning and contract cycles
- Provide senior advice to the Board, Executive team and wider leadership group on financial and contractual matters
- Lead and develop teams across planning, income and contracting
We are looking for an experienced senior finance professional with strong NHS planning and contracting expertise, backed by excellent leadership, judgement and relationship management skills. Applicants should be CCAB or CIMA qualified and able to demonstrate substantial senior-level experience within a complex acute healthcare environment. You will bring a strong understanding of NHS commissioning, contracting and income flows, together with the ability to operate confidently in sensitive, high-profile and fast-moving situations.
You should be able to evidence:
- Significant experience in strategic financial planning, income and contract management within an NHS provider setting
- Strong knowledge of the NHS commissioning landscape, national payment mechanisms and contracting processes
- Experience of representing an organisation in negotiations with commissioners and external stakeholders
- The ability to evaluate complex financial and activity information and turn it into clear, practical recommendations
- Experience of leading major projects, service change or business planning activity
- Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to manage, motivate and develop high-performing teams
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex and sensitive information to a wide range of audiences
- Resilience, political awareness and the confidence to handle challenge constructively
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust serves a diverse and vibrant population across South East London, delivering a wide range of acute and community healthcare services to over one million residents. The Trust operates from University Hospital Lewisham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich, and a network of community sites, and is recognised for its strong clinical services and commitment to integrated care.
The local area offers a unique blend of urban energy and green space, with excellent transport links into Central London, a rich cultural scene, and ongoing regeneration across Lewisham, Greenwich and surrounding boroughs. This creates an engaging and dynamic environment both professionally and personally, making it an attractive location for senior leaders looking to make a meaningful impact within a forward‑looking NHS organisation.
Why apply?This is a standout opportunity for someone who wants to operate in a visible, strategic finance role with real influence across planning, contracting and organisational performance. You will work closely with senior leaders internally and externally, lead on issues that directly affect the Trust’s financial strength and play a key part in shaping future services. The role offers excellent breadth, significant stakeholder exposure and the opportunity to build further profile within senior NHS finance leadership. It will particularly suit someone who enjoys combining financial insight, negotiation and strategic thinking in a role that sits close to decision-making.
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust is committed to delivering high-quality care for its communities and to creating an environment where staff are supported to develop, contribute and succeed.
Associate Director of Finance – Planning, Income & Contracts employer: MLC Partners
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where senior finance professionals can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, the Trust provides opportunities for growth and leadership within a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation. Located in vibrant South East London, employees benefit from excellent transport links, a rich cultural scene, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on healthcare services for over one million residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director of Finance – Planning, Income & Contracts
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the NHS or finance sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust and its financial strategies. Understand their challenges and think about how your skills can help. Tailor your responses to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As this role involves contract management, being able to articulate your value and negotiate effectively is key. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build confidence before those crucial discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director of Finance – Planning, Income & Contracts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategic financial planning and NHS contracting. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior finance professional, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've managed teams or led projects in complex environments. We love seeing candidates who can motivate and develop high-performing teams!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to explain your experience and avoid jargon. We appreciate candidates who can present complex information in an easily digestible way.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust!
How to prepare for a job interview at MLC Partners
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Associate Director of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of financial metrics and NHS commissioning processes. Brush up on key financial indicators relevant to the Trust and be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence strategic decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires excellent people leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through complex projects or changes. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams, as well as how you’ve navigated challenging situations with resilience.
✨Understand the Stakeholder Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the key stakeholders within the NHS landscape, especially those relevant to Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed relationships with commissioners and external partners, and how you can leverage these connections for the Trust's benefit.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Think about past experiences where you've had to evaluate complex financial information and turn it into actionable recommendations. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and confidently.
