Overview
The NHS England Finance and Planning Directorate is recruiting for the role of Deputy Director NHS Standard Contract.
This is a fantastic opportunity to be at the heart of work to support the NHS. The department works closely with government to agree NHS funding, ensure the NHS lives within its annual budget, decide on funding distribution across NHS services, explore the best use of money and consider national resource use to improve healthcare outcomes, reduce inequality and support the NHS.
Responsibilities
- Lead the annual revision of the NHS Standard Contract, supporting documents and guidance to deliver a robust framework for commissioning services reflecting current NHS policy whilst meeting legislative and legal requirements.
- Develop innovative contract forms to support the latest policy requirements, including for Integrated Health Organisations (IHOs) and Multi-Neighbourhood Providers (MHPs).
- Lead the design and delivery of training and practical support for commissioners and providers in relation to the NHS Standard Contract and any innovative forms.
- Manage the delivery of Who Pays? Guidance and support, including approval of arbitration outcomes.
Key Skills and Experience
- Experience in healthcare commissioning, contracting and in particular in the use of the NHS Standard Contract.
- A clear understanding of the principles of contract law and contract management.
- Significant leadership and management experience that will allow you to engage with leadership across NHS England and the wider NHS.
- Excellent communication and drafting skills, and the ability to work in a politically sensitive environment.
- A strong, experience‑based understanding of the operational structure of the NHS and the ways of commissioning healthcare services.
Additional Information
Staff recruited from outside the NHS will usually be appointed at the bottom of the pay band. Colleagues with a contractual office base are expected to spend, on average, at least 40% of their time working in our offices.
Applicants from within the NHS will be offered on a secondment basis only; agreement should be obtained from their employer prior to submitting the application.
Please email Sarah Dobbing, Director of Planning at sarah.dobbing@nhs.net if you would like to discuss.
This advert closes on Wednesday 13 May 2026.
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