Head of Contract Management

A little bit about us

East West Rail is an infrastructure programme connecting communities between Oxford and Cambridge. The area is currently let down by a lack of transport choices, and we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix that, improving prosperity for people and places along the way. East West Railway Company (that's us) was created by the Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee the delivery of East West Rail from construction through to wheels in motion, making sure the railway comes together in the right way.

At East West Railway Company, we're committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple: to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications of all backgrounds and experiences.

Role Summary

This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing the management and performance of EWR's Commercial and Contract Management team (Professional Services). It involves strategic management and leadership, internal and external stakeholder engagement, and the development, compliance with and enforcement of contract management policy and procedure. The role also requires close collaborative working and support to the Commercial and Contracts Director (Professional Services), and comprehensive reporting of key commercial performance metrics to the EWR Executive, stakeholders and the wider business.

Function

The Commercial Team function provides Commercial, Contract Management and Procurement capability across the programme lifecycle, including strategy (setting the commercial strategy and advising on risk allocation underpinning the delivery strategy), delivering procurement activities for the goods and services required to deliver the asset, and delivering contract management services post-award for the complex network of suppliers supporting the EWR programme. Across all three of these domains, the Commercial Team function manages governance and provides leadership and reporting to measure compliance and provide commercial assurance to the programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with all key internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead and manage the contract management team, providing strategic direction and oversight as well as day-to-day team management.
• Develop and implement robust contract management policy, governance requirements and procedures supporting the wider needs of the Commercial Team.
• Oversee the negotiation, drafting and review of contract terms and conditions in conjunction with EWR Legal, to ensure compliance with legal, organisational and industry standards.
• Monitor contract performance, value for money and scope completion, and ensure that all contractual obligations and milestones are met.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with contracts and develop strategies to address potential issues.
• Implement structured approaches to supplier relationship management throughout area of responsibility.
• Manage supplier underperformance to resolution.
• Provide full commercial support, including dispute avoidance and dispute risk mitigation, to the business and all relevant stakeholders in respect of any contracts in dispute or formal proceedings.
• Provide expert advice on relevant regulations and compliance issues.
• Provide practical advice to stakeholders having identified, evaluated, negotiated and apportioned contract risks.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to resolve contractual disputes and issues.
• Provide training and support to staff on contract management best practice and procedure.
• Work with stakeholders and communicate standards to eliminate corruption, fraud and unethical behaviour in supply chains, taking appropriate action in the event of any alleged breach of standards.
• Manage and support direct reports, including coaching and developing team members to drive individual growth and operational excellence, leading continuous improvement through regular performance management, and ensuring compliance with organisational policies and systems.
• Take responsibility for personal and others' health and safety by adopting and complying with EWR health and safety principles.
• Demonstrate a cost-conscious mindset, ensuring value for money on all contracts.
• Show commitment to innovation by proactively seeking creative solutions to challenges and opportunities.
• Act as a role model and ambassador for EWR's vision, values and behaviours, working in ways that are aligned with EWR Ways of Working, as well as encouraging and supporting others to do so too.

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

Essential Criteria

• Extensive background in contract management (specifically NEC3 and NEC4), including negotiation, drafting and administration of complex contracts (including PSCs, Options A-E, Target Cost/Defined Cost, and incentivisation/pain-gain/cap-and-collar arrangements).
• A track record of leading and managing a high-performing contract management team.
• Sound understanding of legal and regulatory requirements related to contracts.
• Skilled in stakeholder management and communication, with the ability to influence and engage at all levels of the organisation and with wider stakeholders.
• A collaborative and imaginative approach to supplier management.

Desirable Criteria

• MRICS, MICE or equivalent professional accreditation.
• A degree (preferably Masters level) in an aligned subject, or equivalent demonstrable project experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience.
• Up to 12% employer pension contribution to support your future.
• 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) plus the option to buy up to 2 extra days.
• 2 volunteering days, a chance for you to give back to the community.
• Enhanced family-friendly policies to support you and your loved ones.
• Life assurance (4x your annual salary) for peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support when you need it.
• Access to Perkbox for a wide range of discounts and wellbeing benefits.
• Recognition programme, including on-the-spot and annual awards.
• Advanced learning and development opportunities to help you grow.

Diversity and Inclusion

At East West Railway Company, we're committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple - to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from all backgrounds and experiences.