At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage high-value contracts in the heritage sector.
- Company: Join a charity dedicated to preserving England's rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for career progression and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on heritage while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong stakeholder skills required.
Location: Homeworker
Salary: From £44,838 per annum, dependent on skills, experience and location / 36 hours per week / Permanent
Heritage is for everybody, and we are here for heritage. Heritage lives in places and people, memories and stories, artefacts and traditions. It can connect us all to the past, and to each other. It can make us happier, strengthen every community, and help shape society for the better. Everybody should be able to enjoy the benefits it brings.
We are looking for a Contracts Manager to join our team. The role is full-time and permanent, working 36 hours per week. We offer flexible working arrangements where the role allows. You can be based at one of our regional office locations (York, Bristol, Swindon, London) or one of our site-based offices (Dover Castle, Wrest Park) or be a homeworker. As this is a national role, some travel will be needed to sites and offices to support meetings.
The Benefits
- Salary from £44,838, depending on skills, experience and location
- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, pro rata, rising to 28 days after 3 years
- Matched pension contributions up to 10%
- Flexible hours
- The opportunity to progress your career within the heritage sector
- Apprenticeship opportunities
- Subscriptions to professional bodies
- Free access to all English Heritage sites for you and up to six friends and family members
- 25% discount in our shops and cafes
- Enhanced maternity, paternity or shared parental leave
- Options to buy additional leave
- An inclusive working atmosphere where everybody is supported from all backgrounds, religions and with different needs
- Opportunities to go to some of our great live music and history events
English Heritage cares for more than 400 historic sites supported by a wide range of contracts and suppliers delivering cyclical works, specialist services, reactive maintenance, compliance activity and conservation works.
As National Contracts Manager within our Estates Department, you will provide centralised leadership of c.20 high-value and business-critical contracts, ensuring they are well managed, commercially controlled and performing effectively.
We are looking for an experienced contract or commercial management professional, ideally from estates, facilities management, construction or a related environment. You will bring strong contract governance, supplier performance, risk and financial management experience, with the ability to analyse data, control costs, forecast, influence stakeholders, negotiate constructively and drive continuous improvement across complex, high-value contracts.
To be considered for the role, you'll need:
- Proven experience in contract or commercial management, ideally within estates, facilities management, construction or a related environment.
- A strong understanding of contract governance, supplier performance management and risk management.
- Experience managing complex, high-value contracts with multiple stakeholders.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across operational and senior teams.
- Experience of driving efficiencies, negotiating with suppliers and improving value for money.
- A good understanding of procurement processes and relevant regulatory frameworks.
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 13th October at 10 Wood Street, London EC2V 7AN.
If you would like to talk to us, e.g. about workplace adjustments or working patterns, please contact Jamie Cain, Head of Estates. No agencies please.
Find out more about us and what we do on our website. You can also meet some of our people and hear about why they enjoy working with us.
Everybody's welcome at English Heritage. Forget the stereotypes. It takes thousands of people from every background to care for England's heritage and open it up for everybody to enjoy. We're looking for every type of person with every kind of skill and experience, and we're committed to making sure that English Heritage is an equitable, diverse and inclusive place to work. You can connect with others through our EDI networks as a member or ally. These include Ethnic Diversity, Faith & Belief, Social Equity, LGBTQ+, Neurodivergence, Age, Disability and Gender Health and Wellbeing.
We take wellbeing seriously. We are committed to ensuring everyone feels safe at work and can carry out their role. To support this, we have a network of Mental Health First Aiders, regular information and awareness events, unlimited access to an Employee Assistance Programme and work with our people to implement reasonable adjustments.
Closing date: 27/09/2026 23:59:59
Contracts Manager employer: English Heritage
English Heritage is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values community engagement and inclusivity. As the Heritage Community Partnerships Lead, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in London by connecting with diverse communities and fostering partnerships at the historic Marble Hill House. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will benefit from professional development opportunities while contributing to enriching visitor experiences and supporting local volunteers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Contracts Manager at English Heritage!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like English Heritage or be willing to refer you for that Contracts Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from English Heritage who’s on the lookout for their next Contracts Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Contracts Manager role at English Heritage!
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at English Heritage. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at English Heritage
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at English Heritage. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
