Contracts and Performance Officer - Adult Skills

Contracts and Performance Officer
- Adult Skills

Final date to receive applications: 6 July 2026

Department: Skills and Employment

Employment Type: Permanent
- Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Contracts and Performance Manager

Compensation: £35,929 - £38,737 / year

• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: £35,929 - £38,737
• Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

The Contracts and Performance Officer is a key role within SYMCA’s Growth, Business and Skills Directorate, with responsibility for managing a portfolio of contracts to ensure programmes achieve their intended outcomes and are delivered efficiently, compliantly and to a high standard.

This role focuses on driving effective contract management and performance improvement, working closely with delivery partners to ensure programmes deliver SYMCA’s organisational objectives and ensures strong oversight of public-funded programmes delivered by external providers.

You will take a lead role in overseeing contract delivery, monitoring performance, and building strong provider relationships, supported by robust systems, processes, and data-driven insight.

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the criteria as detailed within the role profile (please see attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.

The Education, Skills and Employability Team are seeking a Contracts and Performance Officer to support the delivery of skills and employment programmes by ensuring that contracts are actively managed, performance is maximised, and risks are identified early and addressed effectively.

You will be responsible for a portfolio of contracts delivering provision such as Adult Skills, Free Courses for Jobs, and Skills Bootcamps. The role is central to ensuring that provision is delivered to a high standard, meets required outputs and outcomes, and aligns with strategic priorities.

We are particularly interested in candidates with a background in the adult skills, employability, or further education sector, who understand funding criteria and the challenges of delivery and can work effectively with providers to drive high-quality outcomes.

Working closely with internal teams and external delivery partners, you will use performance data, contract management processes, and regular engagement to drive continuous improvement and ensure accountability.

• Lead on the day-to-day management of a portfolio of contracts and grants, ensuring delivery aligns with agreed outcomes, targets, and quality expectations
• Monitor contract performance through data analysis, review meetings, and contract monitoring activity, taking action to address underperformance
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with learning organisations to support effective delivery and continuous improvement
• Produce clear, timely, and accurate performance reports, highlighting risks, issues, and achievements
• Support the delivery and continuous improvement of the directorate’s contract management approach and processes
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date contract and performance data across systems
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, including Quality and Compliance, to ensure consistent and proportionate oversight of delivery
• Provide guidance and support to colleagues and providers on contract management processes and expectations
• Contribute to resolving delivery issues, including escalation where required
• Ensure contracts are managed in line with organisational processes, funding requirements, and relevant regulations.

You will be a proactive and organised professional with experience in contract or performance management, ideally within a public sector or adult skills delivery environment.

You will bring an understanding of the skills and employability landscape, including how provision is delivered and measured, and be confident in working with learning organisations to support performance and improvement.

You’ll thrive in a collaborative environment and bring a practical, solutions-focused approach to…