Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated Contract Manager to join the Methods and Economics team at NICE. You will play a pivotal role in shaping and embedding new processes to enable cutting-edge research and decision support, working within a collaborative, high-performing team.

The Contract Manager will lead the development and implementation of processes to set up and manage the decision and technical support unit (DTSU) element (Lot 2) of the External Assessment Group framework. This will include designing and operationalising new systems for project prioritisation, workflow, quality assurance and capacity management to streamline contract initiation and maintain alignment across the framework. The contract manager will also support procurement and tendering processes.

Working closely with the Senior Programme Manager, Senior Health Economics Adviser, and colleagues across NICE — including Medicines Evaluation, Health Tech, Science Evidence and Analytics, and the Centre for Guidelines — you will ensure clear, consistent processes are established for accessing the DTSU service.

You will manage the project pipeline, monitor equity of access, and oversee contract delivery against agreed milestones and KPIs. The role also involves coordinating regular supplier performance reviews, forward planning to support capacity management, and driving continuous improvement across all aspects of contract management.

Main duties of the job

The Contract Manager will lead the day-to-day management of the DTSU contract as part of the wider External Assessment Group framework. The contract manager will:

• establish and manage the operational processes to support effective contract management.
• coordinate the contract management group, ensuring strong communication across internal teams and external supplier(s) 
• maintain clear, up-to-date documentation, including project dashboards and risk registers
• develop and refine reporting templates in line with broader framework requirements
• monitor supplier performance against milestones and KPIs, escalating issues and proposing solutions where needed
• organise quarterly performance reviews and ensure timely submission of all reporting materials

Working for our organisation

The SEA Methods and Economics team works to develop methods for aligning our approach to guidance development across NICE, provides a NICE-wide health economic modelling and analytic function and oversees delivery of an external decision and technical support function for NICE. We build on and enhance NICE’s reputation as a methodological innovator and aim to improve our methods to take account of novel technologies and changes in the wider health and social care system.

We can offer you a great place to work with good benefits, flexible working, and a supportive, friendly, and inclusive environment.

Our benefits include:

• Generous NHS Pension – Secure your future with one of the most rewarding pension schemes in the UK.
• Flexible Working – Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with options like remote working, compressed hours and flexible start/finish times.
• Exclusive Discounts – Save on shopping, dining and more with a Blue Light Card.
• Time to Recharge – Start with 27 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
• Inclusive Staff Networks – Join supportive communities like Women in NICE, Race Equality Network, Disability Advocacy and more – we celebrate diversity.
• Tailored Development – Grow your career with personalised learning and development opportunities.

If you feel this is the type of environment you will enjoy working in, apply today!