Head of Patient Contracts

Location: Putney, South West London

Situated within beautiful gardens and grounds, the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability (RHN) is a leading national centre of excellence and one of the longest-running charities and independent hospitals in the UK.

Set in a stunning Grade II listed Victorian building, the RHN provides adult person-centred services across the entire care pathway—from post-acute rehabilitation to end-of-life care—for people with complex neuro-disabilities and their families. Underpinned by a strong research and education framework, the RHN is more than a hospital; it is a vibrant community where residents engage in music, art, and holistic support to achieve the best possible quality of life.

We have a fantastic opportunity for an exceptional commercial and contracting leader to take on the role of Head of Patient Contracts at the RHN.

This is a significant opportunity to shape our approach to patient contracting and commissioning, strengthen our relationships with NHS and other funding partners, and help secure the long-term financial sustainability of our specialist services.

Reporting directly to the Chief Services Officer, you will provide strategic and commercial leadership for RHN's patient contracts and funding arrangements.

You will lead complex, high-value negotiations, develop trusted relationships with commissioners and ensure that contractual arrangements reflect the complexity and cost of the specialist care we provide.

This is a highly visible, relationship-led role requiring commercial judgement, strategic thinking and exceptional communication skills. You will work closely with our Executive, Finance, clinical and operational teams to influence decisions and shape RHN's future commissioning and contracting strategy.

Key responsibilies

• Developing and leading RHN's commissioning and patient contracting strategy.
• Leading complex negotiations, fee reviews, contract renewals and the resolution of funding disputes.
• Building strong, collaborative relationships with ICBs, NHS England, local authorities and other funders.
• Securing sustainable funding arrangements that reflect the specialist and complex nature of our services.
• Advise RHN leadership on commissioning changes, commercial risks, strategic options and the contractual and financial implications of service developments.
• Working collaboratively with Finance and clinical colleagues to strengthen income assurance and ensure funding is agreed ahead of patient admission.
• Leading and developing the Contract Management function, ensuring effective oversight of contract performance and risk.

You will have

Substantial senior-level experience of complex commercial negotiations, contract renewals and resolving challenging contractual or funding disputes.

Strong knowledge of NHS and local authority commissioning and funding arrangements, including Continuing Healthcare.

Exceptional negotiation, influencing and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships at senior level.

Strong commercial and financial judgement, with experience managing risk and supporting strategic decision-making.

The confidence to represent RHN credibly and constructively in challenging discussions.

Experience leading and developing people and contributing to organisational strategy.

Please click here to view the full Job Description for the role.

Closing date: 23rd November 2026

Why the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability is a great place to work:

Generous Annual Leave entitlement

Free counselling and therapy sessions and other mental wellbeing support through our partner CIC Wellbeing

Get involved in our free on-site wellbeing programs, including weekly yoga, and monthly pottery club (we are the UK’s only hospital with its own kiln)!

Draw down a percentage of your monthly wages a few weeks early to help with unexpected costs.

Financial support services such as low-interest loans and help with savings accounts through our partnership with London Capital Credit Union.

Join our wellbeing networks to connect with people in our hospital; we have a Pride network, Women’s network, and our Race Equality network. We also have heritage events to celebrate the diversity of our workforce – most recently we had a South East Asian celebration.

Free on-site parking (rare in London!)

More benefits: Cycle2Work scheme, tech purchase support scheme, Blue Light Card discounts, and more.

Please note, to be eligible to apply for this role, you must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are unable to offer sponsorship to applicants currently.

RHN is a care provider for vulnerable patients at extreme risk. In consequence, safeguarding patients will always be our highest priority.

RHN is proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer that respects and values the differences of our people to achieve their full potential. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our Resourcing Team at [email protected]

The RHN recognise the importance in addressing environmental sustainability and we strive to contribute to reducing our carbon footprint.

We are proud to be Disability Confident Employer and we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from disabled people and will make reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process and in the workplace.

We reserve the right to close this advert earlier than the advertised closing date if a sufficient response is received.