Digital Commissioning Performance Manager in Worthing

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, ambition and values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years. Our hard‑working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to deliver Excellent Care Everywhere for our patients, our people and our communities. Whatever your role here at UHSussex you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us deliver Excellent Care Everywhere. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We value compassion, inclusion and respect as our core values. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance – because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

Job overview: Expert‑level DDaT commissioning and performance advice, guidance, options appraisal, and analysis as part of the EPR ICF (Intelligent Client Function), to directly support the (CIO) and (CCIO), and the Chief Procurement Officer alongside the EPR Programme manager.

Main duties of the job:

• Proactive performance management of commissioned DDaT systems, solutions and capabilities, including Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) contained within contracts across the EPR programme ecosystem to ensure planned benefit realisation.
• Managing collaborative and constructive commercial relationships with external providers of these systems, solutions and capabilities, and supporting them to mirror the EPR ICF with Intelligent Supplier Functions (ISFs).
• Progressive and ongoing early market engagement underpinned by the Trust’s published DDaT commercial pipeline, and proactive management of exit plans for all contracts within the EPR programme ecosystem.
• Working collaboratively with other functional areas across the Trust (e.g. procurement, finance, etc.) and supporting external relationships and reviews such as with NHS England and the Cabinet Office, as required.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

• Manages large‑scale, complex contracts and prepare commercial data, communicating through high‑level written reports, commercial analyses, and verbal and written presentations.
• Provides subject matter expertise on commercial and contract issues, and resolve related challenges.
• Cultivates and sustains effective working relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers and funding bodies, to ensure high performance and alignment with organisational expectations.
• Develops a culture that encourages open communication within Contract Management team and ensures that people are managed through promoting effective teamwork, leadership, and motivation across the function.
• Provide proficient advice to senior managers, directors, and stakeholders on contractual matters, ensuring adherence to relevant laws and regulations.
• Present clear and well‑defined recommendations for contract management, which may involve contentious issues due to prior supplier relationships.
• Ensure holistic and seamless approaches are taken throughout the commercial lifecycle, working in close collaboration with the Trust’s procurement team.
• Manage regular conflict of interest assessments on individuals and providers involved in the project, to ensure that any conflicts are identified and mitigated.
• Carry out a rolling plan of progressive early market engagements, consistent with and informed by the Trust’s published DDaT commercial pipeline and exit plans for all contracts within the EPR programme ecosystem.
• Provide leadership, management and cross‑discipline coordination for negotiations and ongoing service management arrangements for all contracts within the EPR programme ecosystem.
• Engage constructively and collaboratively with clinical areas to ensure consistent application of best practices.
• Convene all providers of DDaT products, services and capabilities within the EPR programme ecosystem to focus on constructive, solution‑oriented and collaborative issue prevention and resolution.
• Assist all Trust budget holders and project leads on the legal and contractual aspects, including dispute resolution, of all commercial agreements within the EPR programme ecosystem.
• Responsible for business planning of all DDaT commissioning performance management activities, ensuring performance targets and strategic objectives are met.
• Develop and continuously improve efficient and effective systems, procedures, record keeping, SLA and KPI tracking, and risk management.
• Monitor, track, and manage the EPR supplier service performance against the framework call of contract.
• Oversee the maintenance of a central Contracts Register for the EPR ICF, assisting stakeholders to manage the day‑to‑day aspects of all contracts.
• Provide training for non‑financial managers both on a formal basis and on any other ad‑hoc basis as required.

Person specification:

• Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS), including Chartered Status.
• 'Expert' level accreditation through the GCF CMCP will be attained within the first year in post.
• Educated to masters/postgraduate level or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continued professional development.
• Further relevant training.
• Relevant World Commerce and Contracting accreditations/certifications.
• Management/leadership qualification or equivalent experience at postgraduate level.
• Project management qualification or equivalent experience.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles.

Important information for applicants:

• We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application.
• Applications that rely heavily on AI‑generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected.
• We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
• In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
• If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
• As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check.