Job Title – Head of Contracts – Optical Express Group
Location – Glasgow
Salary – Commensurate with seniority of role and experience.
Optical Express are the UK’s Number 1 provider of laser eye and private lens surgery, and have revolutionised the way that eye care is delivered.
Our group of companies which includes, Optical Express and ACES, two of the leading ophthalmology providers, dedicated to giving both private and NHS patients world class levels of service and clinical care, as well as SKN Clinics and The Harley Medical Group who provide an accessible and responsible skin service nationwide, we are proud to continue to build on our origins by partnering with the NHS to provide a range of referral services.
We now have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Contracts to join us in our modern Head Office in Glasgow city centre.
As Head of Contracts, you will play a pivotal role in leading and delivering an effective contracting function across the Optical Express Group, which includes Optical Express, ACES, SKN Clinics, and The Harley Medical Group. This is a key leadership position, working within a dynamic team to ensure the successful management, negotiation, and implementation of contracts across our independent healthcare portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coordinate, and manage contracts across the organisation, ensuring effective commercial agreements that support business objectives. The role covers the UK and Ireland Jurisdiction
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including commissioners, healthcare providers, NHS partners, and independent sector organisations.
- Ensure contracts align with national and local policies, as well as regulatory requirements, protecting the group’s financial and operational interests.
- Oversee contract negotiations, ensuring that income streams are optimised and service-level agreements (SLAs) are effectively managed.
- Implement robust policies and procedures to mitigate contractual risks, including contract variations, performance monitoring, and compliance measures.
- Work closely with operational, clinical, and financial teams to ensure contracts are structured to drive high-quality service delivery and performance.
- Ensure all Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and contractual obligations are effectively monitored, reported, and managed.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead and manage a small team responsible for contract performance and administration, ensuring high standards of service and efficiency.
- Provide expert advice on contracting, performance management, and commercial best practices within the independent healthcare sector.
Reporting & Financial Responsibility
- Oversee and manage contracts, ensuring financial sustainability and income protection.
- Work closely with finance teams to ensure contract performance aligns with business targets.
Experience & Skills Required
- Extensive experience in contract negotiation and management within the independent healthcare sector, NHS, or a similar environment.
- Strong knowledge of healthcare commissioning, contractual frameworks, and regulatory requirements.
- Proven ability to build and manage relationships with commissioners, NHS partners, and private healthcare providers.
- Excellent leadership, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
This role is an exciting opportunity for an experienced contracts professional to lead and shape the contracting function within a market-leading independent healthcare organisation. If you have the expertise and drive to manage high-value contracts in a fast-paced healthcare setting, we would love to hear from you.
