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…