Reports to: Head of Contracts and Commercial
Reference: 090573
Additional information: Interviews will be on the 5th August 2026.
Thera Trust is looking for a Senior Contracts Manager to join our Commercial team. This is an important role supporting the Head of Contracts and Commercial in the development, negotiation, management and oversight of contracts across adult social care services.
The successful candidate will play a key part in strengthening contract governance, managing risk, supporting service delivery, and building effective relationships with Local Authorities, NHS partners, ICBs, regulators and internal teams. You will help ensure contracts are well managed, commercially sound, compliant and aligned with Thera’s values and strategic objectives.
About the Role
As Senior Contracts Manager, you will oversee and develop the contract log covering more than 200 contracts, lead contract review activity, support tender responses and commercial proposals, and provide clear advice on contractual, financial, operational and regulatory risks. You will work closely with operational, finance and development colleagues to support strong contract performance and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development, negotiation and management of contracts for adult social care services
- Oversee contract performance using KPIs, audits, data analysis and management information
- Provide advice to senior leaders on contract risk, commercial opportunities and market conditions
- Lead contract review meetings with commissioners and present performance reports and improvement plans
- Support tender responses, business cases and commercial proposals for new or renewed contracts
- Maintain robust contract documentation, risk registers and audit trails
- Lead responses to contract disputes, variations and formal notices
- Build strong relationships with Local Authorities, NHS partners, ICBs, regulators and internal stakeholders
About You
You have strong contract management experience, excellent organisational and communication skills, commercial awareness and the confidence to analyse complex information. You can interpret contract requirements, identify risks, influence stakeholders and explain complex contractual matters clearly to a range of audiences.
Experience of Local Authority, public sector or adult social care contracting would be particularly valuable, alongside an understanding of frameworks, service levels, KPIs, contract variations, financial reconciliations and commercial governance.
What We Offer
This is an opportunity to take on a varied and influential role within a values‑led organisation. You will contribute to strong contract management, effective service delivery and positive outcomes for people with a learning disability, while working collaboratively with colleagues across Thera.
Please see attached Job description & benefits for further information.
Our Commitment
Thera is an equal opportunities employer that promotes diversity within our workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. All posts are subject to DBS checks; however, this does not mean that all convictions will exclude applicants from working with us. Convictions will be assessed on an individual basis, and the DBS will be paid for by Thera Group.
Contact
For further information contact Kay Hardesty on 01476 514796
