At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex contracting and procurement for acute and mental health services.
- Company: Join the NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, shaping healthcare for 1.7 million people.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Agile working model with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare services while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing high-value contracts and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 57528 - 64750 £ per year.
We are seeking a Senior Contracting and Procurement Manager to help shape high-quality, equitable and cost-effective services across Humber and North Yorkshire. This Band 8a role offers the opportunity to lead complex contracting and procurement across acute and mental health services and other assigned ICB portfolios. Working with senior leaders and partners, you will turn commissioning priorities into outcome-based agreements that support better care and financial sustainability.
You will bring significant experience of high-value contracts, specialist procurement and payment knowledge, and the confidence to negotiate, influence and provide expert advice. The post is agile, following the ICBs Purposeful Presence approach, with in-person working where needed to achieve effective outcomes.
Main duties of the job
- You will lead procurement exercises, negotiate and manage complex, high-value contracts, and embed measurable quality, safety, equity and outcome requirements.
- Working with Finance, Analytics, Quality and Commissioning colleagues, you will interpret provider performance, identify risks and lead corrective action.
- You will manage delegated budgets, champion innovative payment models and ensure compliance with legislation, NHS guidance and governance requirements.
- You will advise senior leaders and Board committees, develop contracting and procurement policies, oversee reporting and audits, and provide line management and professional development for contracting and procurement staff.
- Strong negotiation, analytical and communication skills will be essential, alongside the ability to manage competing priorities with significant autonomy.
Our Contracting and Procurement Team works closely with Finance, Analytics and Insight, Quality Assurance and Commissioning colleagues, alongside providers and wider partners. We combine technical expertise, evidence-based advice and collaborative working to support effective commissioning and value for money. The role contributes to team capability through training, mentoring and shared learning, reflecting the ICBs values: We Care, We Connect and We Innovate.
About us
NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) is the strategic commissioner of NHS services for a population of 1.7 million people. We plan and arrange services to meet our populations diverse health needs, focusing on improving health outcomes, reducing inequalities and making the best use of available resources. Our area reaches over 1,500 square miles and includes the cities of Hull and York and large rural areas across East Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire.
Our role is to make sure health services work well and are of high quality. We also work to join up health and care services, improve the health and wellbeing of local people and reduce health inequalities across our area.
The ICB adopts a Purposeful Presence model as the default way of working. Subject to any reasonable adjustments that may be required, this means:
- Individual work is undertaken remotely and digitally in almost all circumstances.
- Collaborative work is predominantly delivered through digital platforms.
- In-person working is reserved for situations where outcomes cannot be achieved effectively through digital means.
Contractual bases are determined by post category.
This post is designated as: Agile Post. This means the appointed postholder may choose either Health House, Willerby or home as their contractual base (please note that the Purposeful Presence principles still apply if Health House is chosen).
Details
- Date posted: 09 November 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 8a
- Salary: £57,528 to £64,750 a year
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
- Reference number: D9857-26-0017
- Job locations: Humber and North Yorkshire ICB, Health House, Grange Park Lane, Willerby, HU10 6DT, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
- Lead complex contracting and procurement across the Acute and Mental Health programmes of care and deliver activity across assigned portfolios for other ICB functions.
- Ensure contracts are outcome-based, legally compliant and support high-quality, equitable and cost-effective services.
- Accountable to the Assistant Director: Contracting and Procurement and responsible to the Head of Contracting and Procurement (Acute and Mental Health).
- Responsible for the Contracting and Procurement Senior Officers (Acute and Mental Health).
- Operate with significant autonomy, shaping long-term service delivery models, provider relationships and financial performance.
Contracting and procurement
- Lead operational delivery for assigned portfolios.
- Negotiate and manage high-value, complex contracts, embedding measurable KPIs and quality, safety and equity metrics.
- Plan and execute procurement exercises in compliance with legislation, NHS guidance and Standing Financial Instructions.
- Maintain robust governance, risk and audit processes.
- Provide expert advice to senior leaders on contracting and procurement policy, strategy and risk.
- Champion innovative payment models to support value and sustainability.
- Monitor provider performance and take corrective action where necessary.
Communication and relationships
- Communicate highly complex, sensitive and sometimes contentious information to providers, partners and senior stakeholders, using persuasive, negotiating and reassurance skills to overcome barriers to understanding and acceptance.
- Build trusted relationships with providers, local authorities and partners to enable collaborative commissioning and procurement solutions.
- Present complex contractual and procurement strategies to Board committees clearly and transparently.
- Work with contracting and procurement leaders, Finance, Commissioning and Planning, Analytics and Insight, Quality Assurance and Clinical Leadership, provider finance and contract leads, local authorities, NHS England, regional teams and legal advisors.
Planning and analysis
- Develop annual and in-year procurement plans aligned to commissioning priorities and integrate them with finance, commissioning and quality strategies.
- Maintain procurement registers and audit-ready records.
- Plan resources to meet statutory deadlines and emerging priorities.
- Interpret complex national guidance, market intelligence and provider performance data.
- Undertake options appraisals assessing the benefits, risks, deliverability and sustainability of contracting models.
- Triangulate financial, quality and activity data to identify variance and trigger corrective action.
- Commission, conduct and oversee benchmarking and market analysis to support strategic procurement planning.
Financial management and staff development
- Act as authorised budget holder for high-value contracts and procurement portfolios, with delegated authority to commit expenditure and ensure financial sustainability.
- Provide financial leadership, variance analysis and corrective action planning to maintain organisational balance.
- Authorise expenditure and contractual commitments within Standing Financial Instructions.
- Provide line management for Contracting and Procurement Officers, including recruitment, appraisals, performance management and career development.
- Build capability through training, mentoring and professional development.
Policy and service development
- Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of contracting and procurement policies across the ICB, aligned with national legislation and strategic commissioning priorities.
- Embed policies in provider contracts and commissioning programmes, and monitor their impact on service delivery.
- Maintain a live policy and specification library with rolling review cycles.
- Ensure compliance with statutory duties, procurement law and national guidance.
Information, governance and assurance
- Oversee the integrity and strategic use of contract management databases and procurement information systems.
- Commission and validate complex reports linking contractual performance to outcomes, financial sustainability and equity.
- Ensure Board committees receive timely, accurate information for assurance and decision-making.
- Maintain data integrity and security.
- Oversee dashboards linking contractual performance to service outcomes and value for money.
- Ensure timely, accurate reporting to governance forums and regulators.
Audit and wider responsibilities
- Commission and oversee contracting and procurement audits and implement recommendations promptly.
- Evaluate innovation pilots and embed learning into future practice.
- Maintain business and patient/service-user confidentiality, comply with health and safety and equal opportunities requirements, complete mandatory training and uphold safeguarding responsibilities.
Person Specification
Skills and Attributes
- Strong interpersonal skills; able to negotiate and influence at senior level.
- Analytical skills to interpret complex data and make evidence-based decisions.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and reducing health inequalities.
- Ability to manage multiple contracts and competing priorities.
- Clear and effective communication with diverse audiences.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Collaborative and supportive team player.
- Promotes transparency and financial stewardship.
- Champions patient-centred, outcome-based approaches.
Experience
- Significant experience in managing complex, high-value contracts and procurement processes.
- Delivering outcome-focused commissioning and performance frameworks.
- Coordinating contract management with Finance, Analytics and Quality teams.
- Leading provider engagement and improvement discussions.
- Supporting procurement planning and compliance.
- Experience of budget management and achieving financial balance.
- Line management experience, including recruitment, appraisals and performance management.
Qualifications
- Masters-level qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
- Highly developed specialist knowledge of NHS procurement law, complex contracting models and commissioning frameworks across multiple portfolios, with the ability to act as a senior subject matter expert advising Board committees and external partners on risk, compliance and innovation.
- Understanding of outcome-based commissioning and payment models.
- Knowledge and understanding of the NHS Payment Scheme and Payment by Results (PBR).
- Aware of procurement legislation and standards.
Desirable
- MCIPS or relevant professional qualification.
SC 114 Senior Contracting and Procurement Manager - Acute&MH employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SC 114 Senior Contracting and Procurement Manager - Acute&MH
✨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 National Health Service.
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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 National Health Service.
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We think you need these skills to ace SC 114 Senior Contracting and Procurement Manager - Acute&MH
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 National Health Service.
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 National Health Service.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to National Health Service. 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 National Health Service. 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 National Health Service
✨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 National Health Service’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!