Band 8c - Head of Commercial Contract Lead, Pathology Business Unit

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced commercial leader to join the Pathology Business Unit as Head of Commercial Contract Lead.

The post holder will provide strategic leadership and expert oversight of complex outsourced pathology contracts across Hertfordshire and West Essex, ensuring robust governance, contractual compliance, sustainable financial performance and value for money.

We are seeking a credible and influential leader with significant experience of high-value contracts, complex negotiation, financial management and working across organisational boundaries.

This is a 24-month fixed-term or secondment opportunity, working 37.5 hours per week.

The role will be based at Watford Hospital, with travel across Trust and partner sites as required.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will lead the management of the Pathology Services Agreement, Laboratory Services Agreement and Trust Services Agreement, acting as the principal commercial contact for the Contracting Authorities.

They will lead complex contract negotiations and amendments, monitor provider activity, finance, quality and key performance indicators, and ensure appropriate action is taken where performance falls below contractual requirements.

The role will provide senior commercial and financial advice, develop budgets, forecasts, business cases and long-term financial models, and present highly complex information to Boards, executives and system partners.

The successful candidate will bring strong strategic leadership, negotiation, analytical and stakeholder-management skills, with experience of managing high-value contracts and delivering transformation and financial improvement.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will work with the outsourced Pathology Provider, partner Trusts, ICBs, commissioners, clinicians, Finance, Procurement, IT and operational teams to ensure effective delivery of pathology services.

Responsibilities include managing contractual performance and remedies; analysing activity, workload, pay and non-pay expenditure; explaining financial variances; supporting annual planning and forecasting; identifying and mitigating commercial, financial and service risks; and ensuring compliance with national, Trust, clinical and corporate governance requirements.

The role will chair performance meetings, produce reports and business cases, lead service improvement and change, and manage relevant pathology contract, performance and support teams. Core hours are 37.5 hours per week, normally Monday to Friday, with flexibility to meet service requirements. On-call participation may be required subject to Trust arrangements.