Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Contract Managers in managing contracts and ensuring successful outcomes.
- Company: Join East West Rail, a major UK infrastructure project transforming transport connections.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree or progress in a professional body like RICS preferred.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a supportive workplace culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A little bit about us: East West Rail is a nationally significant railway project which aims to deliver much-needed transport connections for the vibrant communities between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge, which blend beautiful landscapes and a rich cultural heritage with globally renowned centres of education, business, technology and an increasingly dynamic business scene. Together these communities contribute around £111 billion to the national economy each year. However, the lack of good East-West transport connections makes it harder for residents to make the most of everything the region has to offer. From faster commutes to days out with friends and family, EWR will make it easier to reach the things that matter most, bringing a range of benefits to communities between Oxford and Cambridge, and across the UK more broadly. EWR is also one of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects, which the government committed to delivering in full in the Autumn 2024 Budget, and again in the 2025 Spending Review as part of its ambition to unlock the potential of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor. 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.
Role Summary: This role will provide support to Contract Managers across defined categories / directorates within East West Rail. They will support the implementation and operation of robust processes over the commercial affairs of East West Rail and help ensure that contracts are successfully managed to deliver the expected outcomes. As an Assistant Contract Manager you may be called upon to support different stages of the procurement lifecycle however the principal focus will be support for the management of contractual obligations, variations, supplier performance and payments.
Function: The Commercial function provides commercial and procurement capability across the programme lifecycle, including strategy (setting the commercial strategy and advising risk allocation underpinning the delivery strategy), delivering procurement activities for the goods and services required to deliver the asset and run EWR Co, and delivering contract management services for the complex network of suppliers supporting EWR Co. Across all three of these domains the commercial function will run governance and reporting to measure compliance and provide commercial assurance.
Key Responsibilities
- Work with stakeholders in order to understand the needs of the business.
- Develop a good understanding of key contracts assigned, including the products/services being bought, pricing, processes, opportunities, and risks.
- Support the implementation of effective contract management plans, providing support to Contract Managers as required.
- Support the production of commercial correspondence and records, and contractual notices for issue in accordance with contractual conditions.
- Support the assessment and valuation of supplier/contractor’s applications and processing of payment certification in accordance with processes, contractual terms, and conditions and commensurate with contractual entitlement.
- Monitor and report spend, risk, performance, and contract obligations through KPIs and SLAs across a portfolio of contracts using the tools and systems provided.
- Develop good understanding of the Contract Management System, follow the processes to ensure database is kept up to date.
- Support in the administration of contract electronic communication software.
- Support engagement with internal stakeholders to build close trusted relationships and to ensure a full understanding of expected outcomes.
- If requested by the Head of Contract Management, support Finance and their Purchase to Pay Team, providing holiday cover for the Accounts Payable Assistant.
- Support the analysis of contract data to identify opportunities to work closer with strategic suppliers, improve processes or work differently to create additional value for EWR and its stakeholders.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Actively progressing through member of a relevant professional body e.g. RICS.
- Relevant degree desirable, such as surveying, engineering, law, finance or MBA.
Benefits
- Competitive base salary
- Up to 12% employer’s pension contribution
- 36 days holiday a year (including bank holidays) + up to 2 days to buy
- Life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a range of benefits on the Perkbox platform
- On-the-spot and annual awards
- Advanced learning and development programmes
- Great work-life balance and flexible working opportunities
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Exceptional IT tools
EWR Co strives to embrace a flexible working environment, where a degree of flexibility is maintained to accommodate both the needs and preferences of employees and what is required to achieve business objectives. EWR Co will always work with any individual to assess and accommodate an individual’s work life balance and style.
Diversity and Inclusion: To discover the best solutions, it’s important we embrace diversity of thought. That’s why we aim to ensure our colleagues feel included, engaged and valued. Inclusiveness is not a buzzword, but a way of being. Our approach to diversity is simple – a workplace where everyone is welcome and everyone is encouraged to be themselves. It helps fuel our innovation and connects us with the customers and communities we serve.
We are open to secondments through the Rail Industry Talent Exchange Programme.
Assistant Contract Manager in Milton Keynes employer: East West Rail Company
Contact Detail:
East West Rail Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Contract Manager in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at East West Rail. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand the East West Rail initiative and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals. Show them you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions and scenarios related to contract management. Think about how you would handle specific challenges they might face. Confidence is key, so rehearse your answers until you feel comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Contract Manager in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Contract Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our needs at East West Rail. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Showcase Your Understanding: Demonstrate your knowledge of contract management and procurement processes in your application. We’re looking for someone who understands the ins and outs of managing contracts effectively, so don’t hold back on sharing your insights!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at East West Rail Company
✨Know Your Contracts
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the key contracts relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with the products and services involved, pricing structures, and any potential risks. This will show your interviewer that you're proactive and ready to support the Contract Managers effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to build relationships by discussing how you would engage with internal stakeholders. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, as this role requires close interaction with various teams to understand their needs and expectations.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you would analyse contract data to identify opportunities for improvement. Highlight any experience you have with KPIs and SLAs, and be ready to explain how you would use these metrics to enhance supplier performance and contract management.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability
Since EWR Co values a flexible working environment, it’s important to convey your adaptability. Share examples of how you've adjusted to changing circumstances in previous roles, and express your willingness to accommodate both team and business needs while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.