Contract Manager

Location: Bow Street

Your new company A large and well respected institution is seeking an experienced Interim Contract Manager to support the development and maturity of its commercial and contract management function. The organisation manages a diverse portfolio of strategic suppliers across a range of professional services and operational categories and is committed to driving best practice, improving commercial outcomes, and enhancing supplier performance.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a values-led organisation during a period of transformation, helping to strengthen contract governance, improve supplier relationships, and embed robust contract management processes across the institution.

Your new role As Interim Contract Manager, you will take ownership of a portfolio of high-value, high-risk contracts across a range of categories, including IT, Estates, Construction, Professional Services and other corporate functions.

Working closely with senior stakeholders, contract owners and suppliers, you will provide expert contract management support whilst helping to establish and embed best practice across the organisation. Managing a portfolio of strategically important contracts, ensuring suppliers deliver against contractual obligations and agreed performance measures. Leading contract governance activities, including contract reviews, supplier performance meetings and risk management processes. Developing and implementing contract management frameworks, templates, policies and procedures.

Supporting the organisation in improving contract management capability and commercial awareness across multiple departments. Identifying commercial, financial and operational risks and implementing mitigation plans. Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs), service level agreements (SLAs) and supplier performance monitoring arrangements. Working collaboratively with senior stakeholders to ensure contracts continue to meet business and operational requirements. Driving continuous improvement initiatives to maximise value, efficiency and service performance.

Supporting contract mobilisation, transition and contract life cycle activities where required. Providing guidance and mentoring to stakeholders to improve contract ownership and contract management maturity across the institution. Contributing to wider procurement, commercial and governance initiatives. This role is expected to run for approximately 18 months and offers an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the organisation's commercial and contract management capability.

What you'll need to succeed Significant experience in contract management, supplier relationship management or commercial management within a complex organisation. Proven experience managing high-value and high-risk contracts. Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and engage senior leaders. Experience developing or improving contract management frameworks, governance arrangements and supplier performance processes. Excellent understanding of contract life cycle management, performance management and risk mitigation.

Demonstrable experience driving continuous improvement and embedding best practice. Strong commercial acumen and analytical skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and lead change within a complex stakeholder environment. Must have broad Public Sector experience and knowledge of UK public procurement legislation and contract governance principles. What you'll get in return Competitive day rate. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements for a company based in the Southwest Opportunity to lead meaningful change within a large and complex organisation.

Exposure to a diverse and strategic contract portfolio. Chance to influence senior stakeholders and shape future contract management practices. Collaborative and purpose-driven working environment. Long-term interim assignment with an expected duration of 18 months. What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

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