Contract Manager (operations) in London

6 Month Contract With a Local Authority

To lead the effective operational management, governance, and performance oversight of contractual arrangements across a diverse housing portfolio. The Contract Manager (Operations) will ensure contractual commitments are translated into effective service delivery, with a strong focus on compliance, performance improvement, risk management, and delivering value for money.

Working closely with internal teams, external partners, and senior stakeholders, the post holder will provide expert guidance on contractual obligations, establish robust governance frameworks, and ensure services are delivered in line with agreed standards, organisational objectives, and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive operational contract management framework covering leases, management agreements, service level agreements (SLAs), and related contractual arrangements.
  
• Establish effective governance and assurance processes to monitor contractual performance, compliance, risk, and service delivery.
  
• Act as a subject matter expert on contractual obligations, providing advice and guidance to internal teams and stakeholders.
  
• Monitor provider performance against agreed KPIs, service standards, contractual commitments, and statutory requirements.
  
• Conduct audits, reviews, and assurance activities to identify compliance issues and opportunities for improvement.
  
• Identify, assess, and manage contractual, operational, financial, legal, and reputational risks.
  
• Develop and oversee corrective action plans where performance issues or contractual breaches are identified.
  
• Investigate, document, and resolve contractual issues, escalating significant concerns where required.
  
• Manage relationships with external providers, partners, local authorities, and internal stakeholders to support effective service delivery.
  
• Lead contract variations, change control processes, and change-in-law activities, ensuring impacts are understood, recorded, and managed appropriately.
  
• Support the development and review of KPIs, SLAs, and performance management frameworks.
  
• Produce accurate, evidence-based reports and performance insights for senior management, committees, and Board-level reporting.
  
• Drive continuous improvement across contract management processes, systems, governance, and reporting.
  
• Promote accountability, transparency, and effective contract management practices across the organisation.
  
• Undertake any other reasonable duties required to support operational and commercial objectives.
  

Requirements

Experience and Knowledge

• Proven experience in operational contract management, governance, supplier management, or a related commercial role.
  
• Strong understanding of contractual obligations and the ability to interpret agreements and translate requirements into effective operational delivery.
  
• Experience managing complex contracts, multiple stakeholders, and service-led environments.
  
• Experience in housing, student accommodation, healthcare, facilities management, or similar operational sectors is desirable.
  
• Strong knowledge of performance management, compliance monitoring, assurance, and risk management.
  

Skills and Abilities

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
  
• Ability to influence and challenge constructively at all levels of an organisation.
  
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and provide evidence-based recommendations.
  
• Ability to manage competing priorities within complex and fast-paced environments.
  
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and present information to senior leaders.
  
• Ability to lead through influence and drive accountability without direct authority.
  
• Strong focus on service quality, continuous improvement, and value for money.
  

Qualifications and Other Requirements

• Relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience in contract management, commercial management, governance, or a related discipline.
  
• Demonstrable experience working with contractual frameworks and service delivery models.
  
• Commitment to organisational values, including being Honest, Efficient, Accountable, Respectful, and Trusted.
  
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners.
  

Additional Information