NHS Head of Contracting and Income

NHS Head of Contracting and Income – South East | Hybrid | Band 8C | 3-Month Contract

Are you an experienced NHS senior finance professional with a strong grip on income, contracting, and productivity? Our client, a well-regarded NHS healthcare provider in the South East, is looking for a highly capable Interim Head of Contracting & Income to step in and lead a critical portfolio during a pivotal period.

What’s the challenge?

This is a leadership role within the finance directorate, reporting into the Deputy Director of Finance. You’ll oversee income management, contracting negotiations, and the delivery of cost improvement and productivity programmes that are essential to the organisation’s financial recovery and sustainability.

This hybrid role requires someone confident in working across contracting and financial planning while collaborating closely with clinical and operational leaders. Strong influencing and programme management skills are essential, as is a sharp commercial mindset and the ability to lead a team of finance professionals in a fast-paced, changing environment.

🧾 What you'll be doing:

• Leading the trust’s income and contracting team
• Managing negotiations with ICBs, NHS England and provider trusts
• Providing tactical oversight of a £600m+ contract portfolio
• Driving delivery of cost improvement plans and recovery strategies
• Ensuring accurate income forecasting and performance analysis
• Reporting progress, risks and insights to senior stakeholders

Key details:

• Start: ASAP
• Duration: 3 months (with potential to extend)
• Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday–Friday
• Location: South East (Hybrid – on-site attendance required occasionally)
• Band: 8C

WHY WORK WITH PRACTICUS?

We’ve been supporting the NHS with the provision of senior interims since 2004. We care about what we do as much as you care about what you do. If you feel you could help my client and the many people whose lives would be improved and enriched by the successful delivery of this portfolio, then I’d absolutely love to hear from you.

Apply now and let’s talk about how you can make a difference.