Contract Manager

About us Strategic Commercial Partnering

Senior commercial experts working closely with senior stakeholders to identify and explore long-term opportunities, scan the horizon for opportunities and risks, and bringing new commercial delivery models to the table (such as joint ventures, Local Authority Trading Companies, and a range of

As a service we’recommitted to recruiting on potential.

The details below set out the specifics of the role we’re recruiting for, and we want to encourage anyone with relevant experience to apply who is motivated by the Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) mission tosupportour residents and wants to be part of a transformation of a commercial & procurement service.

At OCC, you'll be part of a team that's not only passionate about what we do - but also about how we do it. We foster a culture of inclusion, respect, and continuous improvement, and we're proud to offer flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a strong sense of purpose in everything we do.

Our core values are at the heart of everything we do. They shape our culture and guide how we work,leadand grow together:

• Always learning
• Bekindand care
• Equality and integrity in all we do
• Taking responsibility
• Daring to do it differently

If you're ready to make a meaningful difference andleadthrough values, we'd love to hear from you.

As a Contract Manager at Oxfordshire County Council, you will play a leading role in ensuring the Council delivers the vital services that residents rely upon.

You'll manage a designated portfolio of contracts, ensuring suppliers deliver against their obligations and incremental value is achieved throughout the life of each agreement.

This is a proactive, cross-functional role where you'll manage risks and opportunities, working across service boundaries to maximise impact.

That means a broad definition of value from service quality, to cost improvements, implementing innovation, and delivering social value and sustainability initiatives.

• Demonstrate best practice in the implementation of the organisation's contract management standards.
• Lead contract management activities on designated contracts, ensuring compliance with all contractual obligations.
• Help build and maintain a clear picture of the subcontract relationships that OCC relies upon, mapping risks and dependencies to build mitigation strategies.
• Work with various departments to ensure contract management processes are aligned with organisational goals.
• Conduct regular reviews and audits of contracts to identify and mitigate risks, maximise opportunities, and deliver incremental value throughout the contract life.
• Ensure a smooth mobilisation and transition process for all new contracts, smooth exits for all expiring or terminated contracts, and effective business continuity provisions are in place for unexpected circumstances.
• Maintain effective working relationships with the wider Commercial & Procurement Service to ensure contract management requirements are factored in throughout the commercial lifecycle.
• Monitor contract performance and implement corrective actions as necessary to address any issues.
• Provide advice and support to senior management on contract management matters related to your contract portfolio.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and stakeholders.
• Ensure that all contract management activities are conducted in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

• Experience managing a portfolio of complex and/or operationally critical contracts.
• Experience delivering improvements and innovation for active contracts.
• Local Government experience (desirable, not essential).
• Good communication skills, able to articulate complex concepts in a coaching and supportive way.
• Excellent persuasion and negotiating skills, able to influence outcomes and provide constructive challenge to senior managers.
• Proactive problem-solving skills, able to look for opportunities and manage risk.
• Commercial awareness, with an ability to understand cost drivers, value for money, and identify opportunities for delivering greater value.
• Abil…