Operational Contract Support Manager

Operational Contract Support Manager

Full-Time 38332 - 38332 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead contract management for global logistics, ensuring timely and secure shipments.
  • Company: Join FCDO Services, a vital part of the UK government’s operations.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, and a Civil Service Pension.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in international logistics while growing your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong communication skills required.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent development opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 38332 - 38332 £ per year.

Job details

Operational Contract Support Manager

Location: Hanslope, South East England, MK19 7BH

Salary: £38,332 plus £1,750 location allowance. A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Contract: Permanent – Full Time

Job summary

At FCDO Services we protect the UK’s interests at home and overseas. We design and construct secure government buildings and courier diplomatic packages worldwide, safeguard government tech and a whole lot more. Our work is as varied and vital as it gets, but we never lose sight of our people. Their skills, aspirations and growth mean as much as the global mission we’re on. In our world, it all matters.

Job description

The success of a government project can depend on secure, timely shipments and our Logistics team always deliver the goods. From dedicated drivers to King\’s Messengers, they\\\’ve delivered to over 250 destinations worldwide, moving over a million kilograms of freight annually across land, air, and sea. Now, you\\\’ve got the opportunity to join them.

Delivering globally.

Dispatching each shipment with care.

Seeing your impact go further.

It all matters.

Manage the delivery of a world class service for our international customers.

Wherever Diplomatic Bags are needed around the world, Global Logistics is there to support their delivery, and when you join us in this vital role, you’ll lead the relevant day-to-day contract management function. Working with a wide range of key logistics suppliers, you’ll manage senior relationships, ensure contractual compliance, and make sure they deliver great value for money. We’ll also expect you to help your Procurement colleagues resolve any commercial issues that arise, and develop processes that track, manage and report on operational risks.

Committed to guaranteeing the correct sign-off processes are used for spend controls, business cases, requests for change and impact assessments, you’ll keep up to speed on the impact of governmental commercial policies and initiatives. Other key tasks will involve defining, managing, and monitoring commercial savings and sustainability outcomes. You’ll also develop positive relationships with our Post Bag Room and Protocol teams to assist with the provision of clearance documentation and other ‘local’ problems, for example those that might arise relating to customs.

Use all your contract management skills as you support our global organisation.

To be a success in this busy, fast-moving role, you’ll have well developed knowledge of the contract management lifecycle, pipeline management, contract negotiations, SLAs, KPIs and contractual levers. A superb communicator with the ability to work alongside a diverse range of stakeholders, you’ll be capable of resolving any operational non-compliance issues that arise, and have a strong focus on achieving high quality, value for money commercial outcomes.

Always ready to identify opportunities and reprioritise actions based on customer demands, you should have plenty of experience in the development and implementation of strategic plans, and a good understanding of the international freight forwarding sector. It would be highly desirable if you hold or are working towards expert accreditation via the Government Commercial Organisation’s Contract Management Capability Programme. In addition, Level 5 CILT or an equivalent qualification would be a bonus, as would intermediate knowledge of Power BI, MS Project, and Excel.

Discover the support you need to grow your career further.

But we’re always looking to improve – just like you. That’s why when you join us, expect to receive a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement and a Civil Service Pension. Along with this, you’ll also have access to training and other development opportunities to help grow your career with us. Our offices have an on-site gym, nursery, café, and restaurant, and we offer interest-free loans on season tickets and bikes to help you get there. It\\\’s a great set of benefits made to support all you do, and all you need.

Want to see your future team’s work in action? Step into our Virtual Embassy and select a guide to take you round to see how we deliver for government customers and how you could help.

Every single colleague must be security cleared before joining us. If you’re successful in your application, we’ll ask you to undergo our vetting process to achieve Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. You can find out more about vetting at fcdoservicescareers.co.uk/how-to-apply/

It takes a diverse team to protect a diverse world.

The vital work we do takes an incredible community of colleagues, with different skills, backgrounds, cultures, and identities. We support every individual, so that you always know you’re welcome and valued. It’s what makes us a Disability Confident employer. And why we’re recognised as a ‘Carer Confident’ workplace. And it’s how you know you’re joining an inspiring, inclusive organisation.

Closing date: 28 September 2025.

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Operational Contract Support Manager employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

At FCDO Services, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. Located in Hanslope, our team enjoys a competitive salary, generous benefits including a Civil Service Pension, and access to training opportunities, all within a vibrant environment featuring an on-site gym and nursery. Join us to be part of a diverse and inclusive community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on global logistics.
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

Contact Detail:

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operational Contract Support Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the logistics and contract management sectors. Attend industry events or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their mission and values, especially how they relate to global logistics. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your communication skills! As an Operational Contract Support Manager, you'll need to convey complex information clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your pitch and responses.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at FCDO Services. Let’s get you on board!

We think you need these skills to ace Operational Contract Support Manager

Contract Management
Pipeline Management
Contract Negotiations
Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Operational Risk Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Planning
International Freight Forwarding
Commercial Awareness
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Power BI
MS Project
Excel

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in contract management and logistics. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Operational Contract Support Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!

Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a superb communicator, it’s essential to demonstrate this in your written application. Use clear and concise language, and make sure to convey your ability to work with diverse stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can effectively manage relationships, so let that shine through!

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have any qualifications related to contract management or logistics, be sure to mention them! Whether it’s the Government Commercial Organisation’s accreditation or CILT Level 5, we want to see how you’re equipped for this role. It shows us you’re serious about your professional development.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

✨Know Your Contracts

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the contract management lifecycle. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed contracts in the past, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a superb communicator, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to work with diverse stakeholders. Prepare to share instances where you successfully resolved operational issues or negotiated terms with suppliers.

✨Understand the Logistics Landscape

Familiarise yourself with the international freight forwarding sector. Research current trends and challenges in logistics, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to improving processes and outcomes in this area.

✨Highlight Your Strategic Thinking

Be ready to talk about your experience in developing and implementing strategic plans. Think of examples where you identified opportunities for improvement and how you prioritised actions based on customer demands.

Operational Contract Support Manager
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
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