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- Tasks: Lead the income and contracting team, managing negotiations and overseeing a £600m+ contract portfolio.
- Company: Join a respected NHS healthcare provider in the South East, dedicated to financial recovery and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with flexible hours and the potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must have experience in NHS finance, strong negotiation skills, and a commercial mindset.
- Other info: This is a 3-month contract with a chance to extend; start ASAP!
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
NHS Head of Contracting and Income – South East | Hybrid | Band 8C | 3-Month Contract
Are you an experienced NHS senior finance professional with a strong grip on income, contracting, and productivity? Our client, a well-regarded NHS healthcare provider in the South East, is looking for a highly capable Interim Head of Contracting & Income to step in and lead a critical portfolio during a pivotal period.
What’s the challenge?
This is a leadership role within the finance directorate, reporting into the Deputy Director of Finance. You’ll oversee income management, contracting negotiations, and the delivery of cost improvement and productivity programmes that are essential to the organisation’s financial recovery and sustainability.
This hybrid role requires someone confident in working across contracting and financial planning while collaborating closely with clinical and operational leaders. Strong influencing and programme management skills are essential, as is a sharp commercial mindset and the ability to lead a team of finance professionals in a fast-paced, changing environment.
What you\’ll be doing:
- Leading the trust’s income and contracting team
- Managing negotiations with ICBs, NHS England and provider trusts
- Providing tactical oversight of a £600m+ contract portfolio
- Driving delivery of cost improvement plans and recovery strategies
- Ensuring accurate income forecasting and performance analysis
- Reporting progress, risks and insights to senior stakeholders
Key details:
- Start: ASAP
- Duration: 3 months (with potential to extend)
- Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday–Friday
- Location: South East (Hybrid – on-site attendance required occasionally)
- Band: 8C
WHY WORK WITH PRACTICUS?
We’ve been supporting the NHS with the provision of senior interims since 2004. We care about what we do as much as you care about what you do. If you feel you could help my client and the many people whose lives would be improved and enriched by the successful delivery of this portfolio, then I’d absolutely love to hear from you.
Apply now and let’s talk about how you can make a difference.
NHS Head of Contracting and Income employer: Practicus
Contact Detail:
Practicus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NHS Head of Contracting and Income
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the NHS finance sector. Attend relevant conferences or webinars where you can meet key players in contracting and income management. Building these connections can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest NHS policies and financial frameworks. Understanding the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment and knowledge of the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past achievements in income management and contracting negotiations. Highlighting your successes will show potential employers that you have the experience needed to lead effectively in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation you’re applying to thoroughly. Understand their current challenges and how your skills can address them. Tailoring your approach to their specific needs can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace NHS Head of Contracting and Income
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the NHS Head of Contracting and Income position. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks such as income management, contracting negotiations, and cost improvement strategies.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in NHS finance roles, particularly in income management and contracting. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to manage large contract portfolios.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly articulates your motivation for applying and how your skills align with the role. Emphasise your experience in negotiating with ICBs and NHS England, and your success in delivering cost improvement plans.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, make sure to showcase your strong influencing and programme management skills. Provide examples of how you've led teams in fast-paced environments and contributed to financial recovery and sustainability in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Practicus
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves leading a team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure environments.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Given the focus on income management and contracting, ensure you can articulate your understanding of financial principles. Be ready to discuss your experience with contract negotiations and how you've driven cost improvement plans.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you navigated them, especially in relation to income forecasting and performance analysis.
✨Understand the NHS Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current issues facing the NHS, particularly in the South East. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will demonstrate your commitment and readiness to contribute effectively from day one.
