Program Manager

This role leads the strategic contract management of Sharpsmart’s largest NHS contract, spanning six Trusts in the Kent Consortium.

The post-holder will act as a commercial partner to the NHS, responsible for delivering outstanding customer outcomes, driving operational and margin improvement, and strengthening relationships at every stakeholder level — from Portering to Executive.

The Program Manager will coordinate with internal specialists, field services, and the account coordination team to ensure high-performing delivery, account stability, and strategic positioning for contract renewal and growth.

• This a maternity cover role - 9-12 months duration

What will you do?

• Own the success of the Kent contract through strategic upsell, operational efficiencies, and consultative project delivery
• Build strong and embedded relationships across six NHS Trusts — from department heads to frontline users
• Lead contract governance, performance reviews, and stakeholder engagement plans
• Translate insight into deliverable initiatives that improve safety, efficiency, sustainability, compliance, and education
• Prepare and position Sharpsmart for contract renewal in 3 years, securing long-term continuity and value
• Lead monthly audits across all six Trusts to identify risks and opportunities for value creation
• Own and deliver monthly contract reviews with each Trust and the overarching consortium body
• Engage actively with subcontractors to explore and implement innovative solutions and service enhancements

What are your key responsibilities?

• Stakeholder Management
• Ongoing Auditing & Insight
• Contract Reviews
• Project Road-mapping
• Service Coordination
• Performance Monitoring
• Savings & Margin Uplift
• Retention & Growth
• Standard Proposal Development
• Innovation & Subcontractor Engagement

What are we looking for?

• Proven track record managing complex TWM customer accounts or similar sector partnerships
• Strong commercial acumen with ability to model savings, margin, and ROI
• Ability to build senior stakeholder relationships and navigate NHS/ICB governance structures
• Familiarity with clinical waste, infection control, or healthcare service environments preferred
• Collaborative and self-directed with high levels of ownership and accountability

At Sharpsmart, we're on an exciting journey as we continue to grow, innovate and strengthen our position as the UK's leading healthcare waste management partner.

You'll join a business that values collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement, with opportunities to make a genuine impact for customers, colleagues and the healthcare sector.

One Team. One Customer. One Purpose.

Ready to build trusted partnerships, create value and help shape the future of healthcare services? We'd love to hear from you.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.