Occupational Health Contract Manager (Outsourced)

This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting‑edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high‑quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the role

We are looking for a strong operationally focused Occupational Health Contract Manager to join us here at the Crick. You will focus on managing and continuously improving the Crick’s outsourced Occupational Health service, ensuring it runs smoothly, efficiently, and in line with organisational needs. Acting as the key link between internal teams and the external provider, you’ll play a central role in driving service quality and operational excellence. You’ll oversee a broad range of services including employee health programmes, pre‑employment checks, and wellbeing support, ensuring they are delivered effectively and consistently. Working within the People Partnering team, you’ll collaborate closely with HR operations, systems teams, and Health & Safety to streamline processes, improve the employee experience, and ensure compliance with relevant standards. Strong operational experience is a must for this role with a real skill for coordinating across teams, improving processes, and making services work better for people.

What you will be doing

• Manage and monitor the current occupational health service for the Crick with the outsourced supplier ensuring effective service delivery against KPIs and SLAs.
• Working closely with the H&S team and Data Protection team, ensure Occupational Health provision complies with relevant legislation and standards.
• Develop clear guidance and communications to ensure managers and employees understand how and when to access Occupational Health support.
• Project‑manage any review or future change of supplier(s).
• Co‑ordinate and oversee health surveillance programmes in line with statutory and monitor health surveillance appointments.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive occupational health policy and internal processes that are aligned with the Institute’s goals.
• Ensure effective and timely case handling, including assessments, reports, and return‑to‑work planning.

About you

• Significant experience managing or working closely with an outsourced Occupational Health service.
• Strong understanding of occupational health principles, absence management, and workplace adjustments.
• Experience of contract management, service performance monitoring, and supplier relationships, ideally for outsourced occupational health contracts.
• Understanding of UK occupational health legislation and workplace health risk assessment.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and advise at all levels.
• Ability to align services with People systems with proven experience of implementing continuous improvement to processes.
• Experience in understanding an organisation’s requirements and sourcing a suitable supplier, preferably supported by experience of going through a tendering process.
• Qualification or professional training in HR, Occupational Health, Health and Safety, Wellbeing, or a related field. (Desirable)
• Experience within higher education, scientific research, or a laboratory‑based environment. (Desirable)

About Working at the Crick

Our values Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture. We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we’ll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: weronika.kucala@crick.ac.uk

What will you receive?

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well‑being and development:

• Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK.
• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
• 24/7 GP consultation services.
• Occupational health services and mental health support programs.
• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
• Work‑Life Balance: Childcare support allowance.
• Annual leave purchase options.
• Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.
• Discounted gym memberships, bike‑to‑work scheme, and shopping discounts.
• Subsidised on‑site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.