At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and monitor housing support contracts to ensure quality and value for money.
- Company: Join a dedicated team making a real difference in housing services.
- Benefits: Generous leave, excellent pension, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that shapes impactful housing services in your community.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a proactive approach; training provided.
- Other info: Flexible hours with potential for increased workload soon.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As a Contract Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing a portfolio of housing related support contracts. You will ensure that services deliver value for money, drive continuous improvement, and maintain high standards of accommodation and support. While previous contract management experience in a housing setting is desirable, it is not essential—comprehensive training on housing and homelessness will be provided for the right candidate. Initially the hours will be 18.5 per week but as additional funding will be available from 1st April the hours will increase to 25.9 per week from then.
About us
At Cheshire East Council we are resident and partner focused with a vision to enable prosperity and wellbeing for all. People really are at the heart of everything we do and that starts with our incredible workforce. For us, success isn’t just about what we achieve, but how we achieve it together. We promote curiosity, excellence, innovation and continuous improvement. We are values led and committed to wellbeing and inclusion for all, where our employees co‑created our values of drive, integrity, respect and collaboration which inform all that we do. We are proud to work for Cheshire East Council and believe you would be too, so come and join us!
Join us on a meaningful journey at Cheshire East Council
Join a team that’s compassionate, forward‑thinking and deeply committed to making a difference. Our residents are at the heart of everything we do, and your role will be a key part of our transformation journey. This is your chance to be part of something meaningful where your ideas, energy and work can create real impact every day.
About the Role
- Evaluate data and intelligence from contracted services to ensure compliance with service specifications and delivery standards.
- Manage all aspects of contract administration, including service user interviews, staff engagement, data and premises audits, and monthly performance reviews.
- Liaise with staff, service users, and stakeholders to ensure high‑quality, high‑impact outcomes.
- Provide dedicated contract management support to the Accommodation Supply Team Leader and contract providers, especially in response to changing pressures or high‑risk situations.
- Analyse local, regional, and national data to benchmark need, demand, and resources, supporting effective planning and resource management.
- Identify and address cross‑contract and inter‑departmental issues to ensure strategic objectives are met.
- Collaborate with partner agencies (e.g., health, social care, housing providers) to deliver integrated, value‑for‑money services.
- Support the development and delivery of the Council’s Homelessness Strategy and related policies.
- Identify and implement new policies and initiatives to prevent homelessness.
- Review and improve working procedures in consultation with your line manager.
This is just a snapshot of some of the exciting things you’ll be doing in role, to find out more about the other key responsibilities of the role please view the attached job description.
About you
- Strong organisational skills and a proactive approach to contract management.
- A commitment to achieving high‑quality outcomes and value for money.
- The ability to lead improvements in service provision and ensure the support staff within services are well‑trained.
- Flexibility and the ability to work independently within a small, supportive team.
- A full driving licence and access to a car (travel expenses covered).
To find out more about the essential and desirable criteria for the role please view the attached job description specification document.
What we offer in return
- A competitive salary – Between £31537 pro rata – £34434 pro rata per annum with guaranteed yearly pay increases!
- Enhanced annual leave – Start with an impressive 34 days of annual leave (including bank holidays) from day one, and watch it grow to 39 days after just five years of service
- Purchase of annual leave – Want more time off? You can purchase up to 10 extra days of annual leave each year, giving you the flexibility to balance work and life just the way you want (Pro‑rata for part‑time staff)
- Flexible working pattern – Enjoy a 37‑hour standard full‑time work week with the added perks of flexitime.
- Enhanced public pension – Secure your future with our career average pension, where contributions are built at a rate of 1/49th of your yearly pensionable pay
How to apply
We’re delighted that you’re considering applying for this role! As an equal opportunities’ and disability confident employer, we warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We believe that a diverse workforce helps us better reflect and serve our local communities, and together, we can build something truly special.
To join our team, simply click ‘Apply for this job’ at the bottom of the page. If you’d prefer an informal chat first or have any questions about the role, feel free to reach out to Karen Wild at: karen.wild@cheshireeast.gov.uk, they’ll be happy to hear from you!
If you would like to get in touch with us regarding this role then please remember to include the job reference number so we can assist you accurately and in a timely manner.
Once you’ve applied for the position, please keep an eye on your email inbox (including your junk and spam folders), as we’ll send any correspondence there to stay in touch with updates about your application.
If you haven’t heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, it likely means we weren’t able to move forward with your application at this time but please don’t let this discourage you as your interest means a lot to us, as we’d truly love to hear from you again in the future!
For any technical enquiries please email sourcingteam@ecwip.co.uk. Please quote job reference number in all correspondence.
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Contract Manager employer: Cheshire East
Contact Detail:
Cheshire East Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. 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 organisation and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission, especially around contract management and service improvement. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience in managing contracts and delivering value for money—this is key for the role of Contract Manager.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team and making a difference in housing and support services.
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the Contract Manager role. We want to see how you can bring value to our Housing Related Support Contract Monitoring Team!
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: Since strong organisational skills are key for this role, give examples of how you've successfully managed projects or contracts in the past. We love seeing how you can keep things running smoothly!
Demonstrate Your Commitment: Let us know about your passion for delivering high-quality outcomes and value for money. Share any experiences where you've driven improvements in service provision—this will really catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cheshire East
✨Know Your Contracts
Familiarise yourself with the basics of contract management, especially in a housing context. Understand key terms and concepts that might come up during the interview, as this will show your proactive approach and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Highlight how you ensured high-quality outcomes and value for money, as these are crucial for the Contract Manager position.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Teamwork
Be ready to discuss how you've worked independently and as part of a team in previous roles. Emphasise your ability to adapt to changing situations and collaborate with various stakeholders to achieve common goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Housing Options Team and their current challenges. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career aspirations.