Senior Contract Manager

As a Senior Contract Manager within the Contracting & Procurement Team, you will operate as a senior specialist responsible for leading complex contract portfolios across community and noncommunity services. You will work within the Finance and Resources Directorate, collaborating with finance, business intelligence, commissioning leads, local authorities, GP federations, voluntary sector partners and NHS England colleagues to ensure high quality, value for money services for West Yorkshire. The role requires advanced contracting expertise, including specialist knowledge of NHS contracting processes, National Tariff Payment Systems contract validation, performance frameworks and service review methodologies. Candidates should hold Foundation Accredited Contract Manager status through the Government Commercial Function, and bring strong analytical capability, negotiation skills and experience operating at a senior level within a contracting or commissioning environment. You will contribute to procurement activity, supporting tender development, evaluation and clarification processes, and ensuring robust governance throughout. The role involves managing complex provider discussions, resolving contentious issues, and exercising sound judgement where solutions are not immediately clear. You will also provide leadership within the contracting team, supporting staff development and maintaining high professional standards. The role requires resilience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to manage periods of sustained concentration, complex analysis and occasional exposure to challenging stakeholder situations. You will be part of regional and cross ICB workflows, contributing to transformation programmes and Integrated Neighbourhood Health initiatives.