Description
We have a fantastic opportunity for an exceptional commercial and contracting leader to take on the role of Head of Patient Contracts at the RHN.
This is a significant opportunity to shape our approach to patient contracting and commissioning, strengthen our relationships with NHS and other funding partners, and help secure the long-term financial sustainability of our specialist services.
Reporting directly to the Chief Services Officer, you will provide strategic and commercial leadership for RHN's patient contracts and funding arrangements.
You will lead complex, high-value negotiations, develop trusted relationships with commissioners and ensure that contractual arrangements reflect the complexity and cost of the specialist care we provide.
This is a highly visible, relationship-led role requiring commercial judgement, strategic thinking and exceptional communication skills. You will work closely with our Executive, Finance, clinical and operational teams to influence decisions and shape RHN's future commissioning and contracting strategy.
Main duties of the job
- Developing and leading RHN's commissioning and patient contracting strategy.
- Leading complex negotiations, fee reviews, contract renewals and the resolution of funding disputes.
- Building strong, collaborative relationships with ICBs, NHS England, local authorities and other funders.
- Securing sustainable funding arrangements that reflect the specialist and complex nature of our services.
- Advise RHN leadership on commissioning changes, commercial risks, strategic options and the contractual and financial implications of service developments.
- Working collaboratively with Finance and clinical colleagues to strengthen income assurance and ensure funding is agreed ahead of patient admission.
- Leading and developing the Contract Management function, ensuring effective oversight of contract performance and risk.
You will have
- Substantial senior-level experience of complex commercial negotiations, contract renewals and resolving challenging contractual or funding disputes.
- Strong knowledge of NHS and local authority commissioning and funding arrangements, including Continuing Healthcare.
- Exceptional negotiation, influencing and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships at senior level.
- Strong commercial and financial judgement, with experience managing risk and supporting strategic decision-making.
- The confidence to represent RHN credibly and constructively in challenging discussions.