Director of Contracts, Tenders & Commissioning

Are you a delivery focused leader who understands the realities of NHS contracting and can bring structure and control to a complex portfolio? If so, join Elysium Healthcare as the Director of Contracts, Tenders & Commissioning. As the Director of Contracts, Tenders & Commissioning you’ll be accountable for the operational leadership, delivery and performance of Elysium Healthcare’s NHS and public sector contracting function across England and Wales. This role provides end-to-end ownership of contract management, tender delivery and contractual performance, ensuring the organisation maintains strong commissioner confidence, delivers against contractual obligations, and secures sustainable, high-quality income. Acting as the central point of control for all contractual activity, you’ll bring pace, structure and rigour to the function — leading a specialist team to deliver high-quality tenders, robust contract governance, and proactive performance management across all commissioned services. While commissioner strategy and external market positioning are led by the Chief Commercial & Communications Officer and Business Development Directors, this role provides the executional engine, contractual expertise and operational grip required to translate strategy into delivery. This is a hybrid role with travel to our offices in Borehamwood/ Luton and travel to our services. Key Responsibilities: Contracts & Commissioning • Lead the operational management of all NHS and Local Authority contracts • Own complex contractual arrangements including block contracts, frameworks and spot purchasing • Maintain clear oversight of income, activity, performance and contractual risk • Support commercial negotiations, pricing and fee uplifts Tenders & Bids • Lead the end-to-end delivery of all tenders and bid submissions • Build and embed a high-performing, centralised bid function • Ensure all bids are clinically credible and operationally deliverable • Oversee mobilisation and post-award contract finalisation Performance & Governance • Take ownership of contractual performance and compliance • Lead contract variations, renewals and issue resolution • Ensure audit readiness and robust governance across all services Systems & Process • Own and develop our contract management system (SpotDraft) • Drive improvements in tracking, reporting and governance • Establish a single source of truth for all contractual activity Leadership • Lead and develop a specialist contracts and tenders team • Build a culture of accountability, pace and high standards • Act as a trusted partner across Commercial, Finance and Operations To be successful in this role, you will have: • Significant senior experience within mental health, neurological, learning disabilities, autism services and CYPMHS. • Proven track record of leading and delivering NHS and Local Authority tenders in a complex, multi-site environment. • Strong working knowledge of NHS commissioning structures, including ICBs, Provider Collaboratives and procurement frameworks. • Demonstrable experience of contract management, governance and performance oversight, including income and risk management. • Experience leading and developing a specialist, high-performing team. • Highly organised, detail-oriented and commercially astute, with the ability to operate at pace and maintain strong operational grip. • Experience of the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) and evolving NHS procurement landscape. • Experience managing block contracts, regional commissioning arrangements and complex funding models. • Familiarity with contract management systems (e.g. SpotDraft or equivalent). • Execution-focused leader with a strong bias for delivery and accountability • Brings structure, discipline and pace to complex operational environments • Confident operating with senior NHS stakeholders and internal executive teams • Able to balance detail with commercial oversight, ensuring nothing is missed while maintaining strategic alignment • Builds credibility through consistency, ownership and high-quality outputs What You’ll Get At Elysium Healthcare, we believe in taking care of the people who care for others, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and future: • Competitive Salary • The equivalent of 30 days annual leave (including bank holidays) – plus your birthday off and the option to buy additional annual leave, in our annual selection window. • Career development and training to help you achieve your professional goals • Access to our Rewards & Benefits platform Ely-Vate; Your one-stop destination for everyday savings, exclusive benefits, and wellbeing hub! • Wellbeing support and activities to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance • Access to Blue Light Card, which provides a range of exclusive offers and discounts • Life Assurance, for added peace of mind • Stream – instant access to earned wages when you need it, plus access to save, directly from your wages, alongside financial wellbeing support. • 24/7 GP service and second medical opinion, to ensure you are the best you can be • Enhanced Maternity Package, so you can truly enjoy this special time • Pension contribution, to help secure your future About your next employer: Elysium Health care has over 8,000 employees and a unique approach to the delivery of care. With a network of over 90 services across England and Wales covering Mental Health, Neurological, Learning Disabilities & Autism, Children & Education, there is opportunity for you to grow and move. Elysium Healthcare is part of Ramsay Health Care with a global network that extends across 10 countries and employs over 86,000 people globally. Elysium Healthcare follows safer recruitment of staff for all appointments and is a Disability Confident employer, committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment. It is a requirement that all staff understand it is each person’s individual responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of service users. All candidates will be subject to a DBS disclosure41bf1e1f-b16b-4260-a40a-17c77a06fd15…