Salary: £51,356 to £55,539 per annum

Grade: N

Contract Type: Permanent

Vacancy Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week

Location: Northallerton, North Yorkshire  

Shape the Future of North Yorkshire’s Care Market

We are offering a fantastic opportunity within one of the most diverse adult social care markets in the country.  North Yorkshire Council is seeking a Strategic Lead Contract Relationship Management to oversee millions of pounds worth of adult social care and public health contracts, driving the sustainability, quality and performance of vital services for residents.

If you are experienced in managing high value contracts within Health or Social Care, with a passion for improving outcomes, and building collaborative, strategic relationships, this is your chance to make a significant and lasting difference.

About the Role

As our Strategic Lead, you will provide expert strategic leadership and operational oversight of a wide portfolio of complex, high-value contracts. You will:

• Lead and develop a high-performing Contract Relationship Management team.
• Ensure robust governance, strong provider relationships, and high-quality contract performance.
• Act as the senior point of escalation for contractual, provider, and partnership issues.
• Negotiate high-value fees and terms, securing best value while maintaining a sustainable market.
• Work closely with colleagues across HAS, finance, procurement, legal, NHS partners, the voluntary sector, and care providers.
• Drive innovation, continuous improvement, and system wide transformation.
• Influence key decisions that shape service delivery for thousands of adults across North Yorkshire.

This role is both strategic and hands on, combining expert commercial leadership with a deep commitment to improving lives. The work base will be County Hall, Northallerton. There will be a need to travel across the county.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic contract oversight for adult social care and public health services.
• Ensure compliance with statutory duties including the Care Act, NHS Act 2006, CQC expectations, and safeguarding requirements.
• Oversee performance management, risk management, audits, and service reviews.
• Manage and develop staff, budgets, workforce planning, and resources.
• Provide advice to senior leaders.
• Build and maintain strong strategic partnerships, including NHS Section 75 arrangements.
• Champion innovation, best practice, and data-driven decision-making.
• Support transformation, savings, and change programmes across HAS.

Why Join North Yorkshire Council?

• Lead a team that plays a pivotal role in shaping one of England’s most diverse care markets.
• Enjoy working in a supportive, collaborative culture.
• Make a tangible difference to residents, providers, and the wider health and care system.
• Be part of a modern, ambitious council committed to innovation and continuous improvement.

Apply Now

If you’re ready to take on a strategic leadership role that combines contractual expertise, high-level partnership working, and a genuine opportunity to improve lives across North Yorkshire, we’d love to hear from you. If you would like to arrange an informal chat, please contact Joanne Waldmeyer, Head of Market Development at Joanne.Waldmeyer@northyorks.gov.uk

Key Documents

Job Description Strategic Lead - Contract Relationship Management (HAS) Grade N.docx

Total Rewards

Key Dates

Closing Date: Wednesday 29 April 2026

Shortlisting Date: Friday 01 May 2026

Interview Date: Tuesday 12 May 2026

NYC are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies. 

We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

North Yorkshire Councils’ purpose is to deliver services and facilities to the diverse residents and visitors of North Yorkshire. To ensure we deliver inclusive services we strive to have a diverse workforce where everybody can be themselves by respecting differences and embedding equality of opportunity. We celebrate diversity and recognise each other’s contributions; we therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

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