Contract Manager – AR

Job Description – Interim Contract Manager (Savings Delivery Programme)

We are seeking two Interim Contract Managers to support a time‑limited, high‑impact savings delivery programme for an initial period of up to six months. The role is focused on delivering tangible, cashable savings across a defined set of spend areas through commercial challenge, supplier negotiation, and contract optimisation.

Working with pre‑identified analytical insights and opportunities, the successful candidates will translate data into actionable commercial outcomes, engaging suppliers and internal stakeholders to secure improved value, reduced costs, and enhanced contractual terms. This is a delivery‑focused role with a strong emphasis on pace, accountability, and measurable financial impact.

• Lead commercial engagement and negotiation activity with suppliers to deliver cashable savings opportunities across existing contracts and spend areas
• Review and challenge contract pricing structures, service scopes, usage levels, and commercial terms to identify cost optimisation opportunities
• Translate data‑led insights into practical savings actions, ensuring opportunities are developed into deliverable and trackable outcomes
• Work closely with service leads and internal stakeholders to validate assumptions, secure agreement, and implement commercial changes
• Drive progress and maintain momentum across a defined savings workstream, ensuring delivery against agreed targets and timelines
• Manage supplier relationships effectively while maintaining a firm commercial focus during negotiations
• Ensure all activity is conducted in line with procurement regulations, governance frameworks, and audit requirements
• Maintain accurate documentation and a clear audit trail of decisions, negotiations, and realised savings
• Report progress, risks, and financial outcomes to senior stakeholders

• Proven experience as a Contract Manager, Commercial Manager, or Procurement Specialist within complex organisational environments
• Strong track record of delivering measurable cashable savings through commercial negotiation and contract optimisation
• Demonstrable experience reviewing and challenging supplier contracts, pricing models, and service scopes
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working with senior internal stakeholders and external suppliers
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to quickly assess value, cost drivers, and contractual risk
• Experience working with data‑led insights, spend analysis, and translating information into actionable outcomes
• Ability to work independently in fast‑paced, delivery-focused environments with minimal supervision
• Public sector experience highly desirable, including familiarity with procurement governance and regulatory frameworks (e.g. PCR 2015 / Procurement Act)

• Results-driven, with a strong focus on delivering measurable financial outcomes
• Confident in challenging commercial positions and managing difficult supplier negotiations
• Proactive and solution-oriented, with the ability to identify opportunities beyond initial analysis
• Strong communicator, able to translate commercial and technical information into clear, accessible language
• Highly organised, resilient, and capable of managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines

• Delivery of quantifiable, cashable savings against identified opportunities
• Successful renegotiation or optimisation of supplier contracts and commercial terms
• Evidence of effective stakeholder engagement and agreement to commercial changes
• Clear governance, documentation, and audit trail of all decisions and outcomes
• Positive contribution to programme pace, delivery confidence, and financial targets