Strategic Contracts & Policy Manager

Job Title:

Strategic Contracts & Policy Manager
Sector:
Local Authority & private sector contracts

Employment Type:

6-12-month Fixed Term Contract initially

Working Hours:

Full-time, 37 hours;
Part-time also considered
Reporting to:
Director of Operations

Location:

West Yorkshire
Job Reward: £60-70k Target Band plus excellent benefits

Location:

Flexible / Office and on-site across the West Yorkshire Region

Are you an experienced Contracts & Policy Professional? Looking to lead high-value, complex service contracts? Across public and private sectors?

The Strategic Policy & Contracts Manager will be responsible for leading the management, oversight, and continuous improvement of high-value, complex service contracts across both the public and private sectors.

The role will ensure that contracts are delivered to agreed service standards, financial targets, and compliance requirements, while driving innovation, efficiency, and value for money.
You will act as the lead commercial advisor for strategic service contracts, supporting senior management in shaping and delivering operational strategy, stakeholder engagement, and continuous service improvement.
You will have a proven record of managing large, complex service areas, leading multidisciplinary teams, and delivering major organisational change, ideally within a local authority setting
Leading change controls, risk management, contract structures, performance clauses, payment and enforcement mechanisms, and structures, changes for services delivering value for money
Strategic service contracts are delivered efficiently, on time, and within budget
High levels of compliance with contractual, regulatory, and statutory obligations
Continuous service improvement initiatives identified and implemented
Positive, collaborative relationships with stakeholders, clients, and contractors

Key Responsibilities - Strategic Contracts & Policy Manager - Local Authority

Contract Management & Compliance

Lead on the strategic management of high-value service contracts across multiple sectors
Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, KPIs, SLAs, and regulatory requirements
Monitor and report on contractor performance, taking corrective action where necessary
Advise on contract governance, risk management, and dispute resolution
Develop and maintain robust contract management processes and documentation
Financial & Commercial Management

Prepare, manage, and monitor contract budgets, value for money and financial accountability
Oversee payments, invoicing, and commercial reporting to ensure alignment with contractual agreements
Identify opportunities for cost savings, improvement, and innovation in service delivery
Stakeholder & Relationship Management

Act as the primary liaison between the organisation and contractors, suppliers, and stakeholders
Engage with public sector clients, regulators, and internal teams to maintain strong collaborative relationships
Represent the organisation in negotiations, meetings, and contract review forums
Service Delivery & Performance Management

Drive performance improvement across contracted services, ensuring operational delivery meets organisational objectives
Develop performance dashboards, reports, and metrics to monitor delivery, trends, and risks
Support the integration of new services and operational processes
Strategic & Organisational Contribution

Contribute to organisational strategy and service planning through insight from contract management
Lead initiatives for continuous improvement, transformation, and innovation
Provide expert advice on contractual, commercial, and operational risks
Key Requirements - Strategic Contracts & Policy Manager - Local Authority

Experience in related sectors that involve Large-scale service delivery, High-value contract management, Compliance and regulation, public-facing operational services, multi-agency or political environments, such as transport, Utilities, Highways, Education, social care, Infrastructure, etc.
A professional qualification in Contract Management, Project Management (APM), or Procurement is desirable
Experience in strategic service contract management in the public or private sector
Experience managing…