Head of Contracts

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and strategic leader to join our Finance team as Head of Contracts.

This pivotal role will lead the Trust's contracting function, ensuring effective negotiation, management and performance of commissioning and provider contracts. Working closely with senior finance, operational and system leaders, you will maximise income, manage contractual and financial risk, and ensure compliance with national contracting frameworks and NHS Standard Contract requirements.

You will play a key role in supporting the Trust's financial sustainability, leading complex negotiations with commissioners, advising on national payment mechanisms and developing strong partnerships across the Integrated Care System (ICS) and BSW Group. The role offers an excellent opportunity to influence organisational strategy, support service transformation and drive continuous improvement within a high-performing team

Main duties of the job

As Head of Contracts, you will lead the development and delivery of the Trust's contracting strategy, ensuring contracts support organisational priorities, activity plans and financial objectives.

You will:

• Lead complex contract negotiations with commissioners and system partners.
• Oversee the management, performance and governance of NHS contracts.
• Ensure robust income forecasting, reconciliation and income recovery processes.
• Provide expert advice on contractual, commercial and financial risks and opportunities.
• Lead contract performance reporting and assurance processes.
• Support the implementation of national payment mechanisms and contracting reforms.
• Develop strong collaborative relationships across the Trust, BSW Group and ICS partners.
• Lead, motivate and develop the Contracts Team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

We are looking for an experienced NHS contracting, commissioning or healthcare finance professional with excellent analytical, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, and the ability to influence at senior levels.

This role may require travel across sites and partner organisations and is subject to rotational opportunities.

About us

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust (SFT) is part of the Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) Hospitals Group, alongside Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust. Together, we are committed to delivering outstanding, sustainable healthcare through collaboration, innovation and excellent patient care.With a history spanning more than 250 years, SFT combines a proud heritage with a forward-looking approach to healthcare. We employ more than 4,000 staff, provide around 470 beds and deliver acute, specialist and regional services across Wiltshire and beyond.Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where colleagues feel valued, developed and empowered to reach their potential. Flexible working helps colleagues balance work and personal commitments while meeting the needs of patients.We offer NHS benefits including the NHS Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, staff discounts and onsite facilities.Salisbury offers an exceptional quality of life, combining a historic city with beautiful countryside, access to the south coast and excellent transport links. Find out more at Experience Salisbury.

Details

Date posted

15 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8c

Salary

£79,504 to £91,609 a year

per annum pro rata if part time

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time,

Flexible working

Reference number

269-SFT10019

Job locations

Salisbury District Hospital

Odstock Road

Salisbury

SP2 8BJ

United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Please find attached to the vacancy a detailed person specification and job description for further information about this role.

This role may require travel across sites and partner organisations and is subject to rotational opportunities.

Job responsibilities

Please find attached to the vacancy a detailed person specification and job description for further information about this role.

This role may require travel across sites and partner organisations and is subject to rotational opportunities.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Qualified Accountant
• Knowledge of NHS Contracting

Desirable

• Experience working in NHS Contracting or Income

Accounting Experience

Essential

• Understanding of Income within the NHS

Desirable

• Experience reporting Income within the NHS

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Qualified Accountant
• Knowledge of NHS Contracting

Desirable

• Experience working in NHS Contracting or Income

Accounting Experience

Essential

• Understanding of Income within the NHS

Desirable

• Experience reporting Income within the NHS

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

NHS Careers website .

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

NHS Careers website .

Employer details

Employer name

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Salisbury District Hospital

Odstock Road

Salisbury

SP2 8BJ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.salisbury.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Salisbury District Hospital

Odstock Road

Salisbury

SP2 8BJ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.salisbury.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job responsibilities

Please find attached to the vacancy a detailed person specification and job description for further information about this role.

This role may require travel across sites and partner organisations and is subject to rotational opportunities.

Qualifications

Essential

• Qualified Accountant
• Knowledge of NHS Contracting

Desirable

• Experience working in NHS Contracting or Income

Accounting Experience

Essential

• Understanding of Income within the NHS

Desirable

• Experience reporting Income within the NHS