Description
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Pathology Contracts Manager to manage, negotiate and monitor contracts and service level agreements for pathology and laboratory services across the HWE ICS partnership.
The postholder will provide contractual, financial and commercial advice to senior pathology leaders and Trust management, supporting high-quality, sustainable diagnostic services and effective system working with NHS providers, Integrated Care Boards and external partners.
You will bring significant contract and performance management experience, strong commercial insight and the ability to communicate and negotiate confidently across organisational boundaries.
Main Duties of the Job
The postholder will monitor pathology contracts, budgets, activity, KPIs, quality targets and provider performance, ensuring effective action where delivery varies from agreed requirements.
They will support contract negotiations, amendments and variation processes; undertake value-for-money assessments; identify and manage contractual, financial and service risks; and help resolve complex issues and complaints.
The role will analyse activity, demand, capacity and financial information to support planning, costing, income recovery and decision-making.
The successful candidate will prepare reports and briefings, chair contract review meetings, maintain robust records and build effective relationships with clinicians, operational leads, finance, procurement, commissioners, IT teams and the pathology service provider.
About Us
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive.
Benefits
- Flexible working options
- Staff wellbeing and development priority
- Emphasis on innovation in clinical care
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
- Educated to degree level or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist area.
- Record of continuous professional development. Training in all Trust policies and procedures.
Knowledge
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Understanding of policies, procedures and governance frameworks.
- Strong organisational, planning and prioritisation skills
- Excellent interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills.
- Ability to manage difficult situations using tact, diplomacy and persuasion.
- Proven track record of delivering business plans, projects and agreed milestones.
- Significant management experience in a complex environment.
- Experience of contract management and performance monitoring.
- Experience managing complex contracts.
- Experience working within multi-disciplinary and multi-professional teams.
- Proven ability to work effectively across organisational boundaries.
- Experience of leading complex commercial negotiations.
- Ability to influence senior leaders and stakeholders to deliver change.
- Significant senior-level experience within the NHS or healthcare sector.
- Knowledge of NHS governance, procurement and contract management processes.
- Understanding of Integrated Care Systems and partnership working.
- Knowledge of financial management, budgeting and performance reporting.
- Understanding of risk management and corporate governance
- Knowledge of NHS service transformation and improvement programmes.
- Understanding of commissioning, service development and business case processes.
- Awareness of national NHS policy, contracting and funding arrangements.