1. To develop and implement the Contracting and Commissioning Strategy across each of the organisations, working with and advising Group Managers, Senior Managers and Senior Clinicians 2. To lead on negotiations for significant and material annual service contracts on behalf of the Trusts, 3. To ensure that the Trusts has approved contracts in place for all commissioned activity, 4. Develop and maintain a contract monitoring framework which supports the Trusts in managing the contracts with commissioning bodies and ensures that robust mechanisms are in place to manage and monitor all performance relating to the commissioning contractual requirements. 5. To establish and maintain an effective system for the receipt, management and resolution and reporting of commissioning queries and performance notices, 6. To lead on discussions and negotiations with Commissioners in respect of all areas that will impact on income, and ensure that appropriate actions are in place at a senior level within the Trusts. 7. Ensure the Trusts has effective and robust systems to develop and implement the Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN) Scheme and in conjunction with the Head of Performance ensure detailed performance indicators and payment schedules are delivered in light of the standard NHS contracts for Acute and Community services. 8. Establish and deliver effective systems to approve and manage service level agreements and subcontracting arrangements with a range of providers in circumstances where the Trust provides services and for those where the Trust is in receipt of services. Ensure that appropriate service managers are involved in developing agreements and understand the requirements of the SLA. 9. Ensure appropriate feedback and reporting mechanisms on matters relating to contracts and SLA's are in place to Trust senior managers and operational teams as required. Relationships: 10. To ensure that effective working relations are maintained by the Contract Management Office across the organisation, i with other corporate and operational teams. 11. To develop and maintain effective and cohesive relationships to a senior level with all commissioning bodies including, ICB's, Specialised Services and Public Health 12. Ensure that highly effective working relationships are established and maintained with commissioners that are open, honest and focus on the key issues of managing the contract portfolios. 13. Ensure a quality assurance framework is established to ensure the delivery of information to commissioners and internally across the organisation is timely, effective and accurate. 14. In conjunction with the Deputy Chief Strategy Officer and Contract Managers, represent the Trust in discussions and negotiations with commissioners, 15. Support the internal Divisions and Directorates in developing their understanding, knowledge and ownership of current strategies and ensure the Trust has a co-ordinated and structured approach in responding to the developing intentions of all commissioners, 16. Resolve commissioning concerns in a timely and professional manner, Management and Financial Responsibility: 17. Line manage staff working within the contracting team, 18. Day to day management of support staff associated with specific projects, 19. An integral part of the post would be to conduct regular research exercises such as bench marking as well as carrying out complex audits to improve the service and implementation of such findings, 20. Hold a budget for pay and non-pay for the Contracting function, 21. Undertakes audits as necessary to area of responsibility, reporting relative findings, 22. As the lead expert the post holder will have the responsibility in conducting highly complex negotiations, on behalf of the Trust, on a range of contracts valuing £330 million. Please refer to the attached job description for the full job description and main responsibilities.