Contracts Manager – Housing in London

Location: South London (On-site required)

Contract: Interim (initial 6–12 months, strong potential for extension)

Day Rate: £550 per day (Inside IR35)

I am working with a well-established Local Authority who are seeking an experienced Interim Contracts Manager to strengthen governance, oversight, and performance across a wide range of housing contracts, including major works, repairs & maintenance, professional services, and wider asset-related procurement activity. This is an excellent opportunity for a capable, detail-driven professional who can bring structure, control, and commercial rigour to contract management processes while ensuring statutory compliance and best value for the organisation.

About the Interim Contracts Manager role:

• Develop, maintain, and manage a robust contract management strategy for Housing Services, ensuring clear governance, compliance, and performance monitoring.
• Review and oversee the organisation’s housing contract register, ensuring all contract information, documentation and statuses remain accurate and up to date.
• Support strategic and annual reviews of housing contracts, preparing reports, options appraisals, and procurement recommendations for senior stakeholders.
• Work closely with procurement, finance, legal, and service leads to ensure all purchasing activity aligns with regulations, standing orders, and case law.
• Provide expert advice on procurement regulations, contract mobilisation, service delivery expectations, and supplier management.
• Lead on contract performance monitoring, ensuring KPIs, SLAs and quality expectations are achieved, and escalating risks/issues promptly.
• Contribute to the procurement and oversight of contracts totalling £6m+ per annum, ensuring rigorous financial and operational controls.
• Maintain internal guidance, training materials and forward plans to support ongoing procurement and contract management activity.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal teams, external suppliers, and stakeholders across all levels.
• Support risk management across all housing contracts, ensuring risks are identified, mitigated, and reported appropriately.
• Handle general enquiries, councillor/member queries, and complaints relating to procurement and contract matters.

Your experience as an Interim Contracts Manager:

• Strong track record managing contracts within public sector housing, repairs, major works, construction, or built environment services.
• Demonstrable experience securing value for money and achieving efficiencies across diverse contracts.
• Knowledge of public procurement legislation and contract management best practice within local government or housing.
• Confident interpreting contract information, maintaining registers, and ensuring governance standards are adhered to.
• Experience using procurement and contract management systems (e.g., Oracle, Keystone, Northgate).
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with an ability to prepare clear reports, advice notes, and strategic documents.
• Strong financial acumen with experience supporting contracts totalling £6m+ annual expenditure.
• Proactive, analytical, and solution-focused approach with excellent stakeholder engagement skills.
• Relevant degree or professional qualification in procurement, law, built environment, or supply chain management.

Desirable:

• Experience delivering contract management within a Housing Service context.
• Knowledge of social value, sustainable procurement, and inclusive growth principles.
• Experience working with solicitors on contractual updates and regulatory changes.
• Additional professional accreditation (e.g., MCIPS, RICS, CIH).

If this Interim Contracts Manager opportunity sounds like a good fit for you, please send your CV to George.

We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation, so please get in touch if you know someone suitable.