Contract jobs in United Kingdom

Job Title: Contract & Procurement Manager
Directorate: Housing and Adult Social Care
Division: Housing Services
Grade: PO6
Reports to: Senior Contract & Procurement Manager
Direct Reports: Contract & Procurement Officer (1)

The Contract & Procurement Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing procurement and contract management activity across Housing Services, managing a portfolio exceeding £100m per annum.

The role ensures that all procurement and contract management activities comply with statutory requirements, council policies, and public procurement regulations. The postholder will provide expert commercial advice, manage contractual risk, ensure value for money, and implement robust financial and governance controls to support high-quality housing services delivery.

The role plays a key part in safeguarding service continuity, improving housing quality standards, and ensuring strong commercial performance across repairs, maintenance, major works, professional services, ICT systems, and related housing contracts.

Procurement & Commercial Leadership

• Lead and manage end-to-end procurement processes in accordance with UK procurement legislation, council Standing Orders, and financial regulations.
• Support the Senior Contract & Procurement Manager in delivering transparent, compliant, and value-driven procurement strategies.
• Design procurement approaches that promote social value, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
• Participate in tender evaluation panels and contribute to procurement design to incorporate lessons learned and best practice.

Contract Management & Governance

• Oversee the effective management of housing contracts to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and performance standards.
• Develop and maintain a contract management strategy introducing appropriate governance controls.
• Maintain accurate contract registers and ensure the electronic Contract Management System (eCMS) is fully up to date.
• Prepare and manage task orders, purchase orders, change orders, and contract variations.
• Ensure payments comply with Corporate Purchase Agreements and approved financial controls.

Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS)

• Manage procurement activity delivered through the Resident Services Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS).
• Ensure projects transition seamlessly from the DPS into formal contract management arrangements.
• Support diversification of the council’s supply chain, working with accrediting bodies and asset partners.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify, manage, and escalate contractual and commercial risks, including TUPE-related risks.
• Monitor contractor compliance with council policies, statutory obligations, and contractual undertakings.
• Work closely with Legal and Finance teams to ensure regulatory compliance and mitigate exposure.
• Support the analysis of contract novations and provide recommendations to senior leadership.

Financial & Operational Control

• Ensure robust financial oversight across contracts, including monitoring of budgets and validated pricing.
• Maintain registers of task orders, contract changes, and variations.
• Support business units in ensuring appropriate financial coding, budget clearance, and workforce placements where required.

Performance & Reporting

• Contribute to annual contract performance reviews and strategic procurement planning.
• Prepare reports, strategy papers, and options appraisals for senior stakeholders.
• Measure and report on contract performance, governance compliance, and risk exposure.

Stakeholder Management

• Provide expert procurement and contract management advice to Housing Services and wider council stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with contractors, auditors, legal advisors, consultants, and internal teams.
• Respond to member enquiries, complaints, and procurement-related queries.
• Support operational teams with contract mobilisation and service implementation.

Leadership & Team Management

• Line manage and develop a Contract & Procurement Officer.
• Provide coaching, performance management, and professional development support.
• Promote inclusive, accountable, and high-performing team culture aligned with council values.

Policy & Professional Standards

• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation including procurement law, Health & Safety, Data Protection, Equalities, and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Develop and deliver internal guidance, training materials, and process manuals.
• Maintain a forward procurement plan and ensure continuous improvement in commercial practice.

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of public procurement legislation and contract management within housing maintenance and construction environments.
• Understanding of commercial risk in large-scale public sector contracts and mitigation strategies.

Experience

• Proven track record managing supplier and contract performance in a public sector setting.
• Experience procuring construction, maintenance, or consultancy contracts.
• Demonstrable delivery of value for money initiatives and cashable savings.
• Experience maintaining contract registers and governance systems.
• Proficiency with procurement and financial systems (e.g., Oracle, Keystone, Northgate, MS Office).
• Experience managing staff within procurement or commercial environments.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or professional qualification in law, built environment, procurement, or supply chain management.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.