At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage high-value contracts, ensuring performance and compliance.
- Company: Defra Group Property, a leader in sustainable property management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to shape contract management standards.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop a specialist team and enhance your leadership skills.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on property management and drive efficiency and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in property management and complex contract oversight.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
The Head of Contracts Centre of Expertise role will be responsible for the governance, performance, and delivery of all Group Property contracts exceeding £800m including the flagship “gold” integrated FM contract with ISS and business critical travel contract CTM. The role will ensure operational continuity, financial control, and service excellence by holding suppliers accountable to agreed KPIs, driving value for money, and proactively managing risk and compliance obligations.
Through effective oversight and strategic supplier management, the postholder will mitigate operational disruption, prevent cost leakage, and will enable the property function to support organisational priorities, including efficiency, sustainability, and workplace experience. The role demands a unique combination of commercial acumen, technical knowledge, and you will ideally have experience in property and facilities management services, alongside a proven track record in managing complex, high-value outsourced contracts.
As the key interface between Defra Group Property and external service providers, you will be expected to operate credibly at all levels - translating business needs into contractual outcomes and ensuring delivery through robust governance. The Head of Contracts – Centre of Expertise (CoE) provides strategic leadership and professional authority for contract management across the Defra Group Property function.
The role establishes and embeds industry leading contract management standards, governance, and assurance to ensure that all property related contracts are effectively managed, compliant, and delivering value for money. This is an existing role with the opportunity to be reshaped and developed as we refine our business needs and requirements, helping to further define its scope in alignment with industry standards and Government Functional Standards.
As the role matures, there is scope for it to expand in breadth and leadership responsibility, including the development of a supporting specialist team. The long‑term vision is for the role holder, and any future team, to operate as a central centre of expertise and capability hub for contract management for Defra Group Property.
The role will lead specialist contract management capability and support wider Property and Workplace teams to operate confidently and consistently within agreed contractual, commercial, and assurance frameworks. The role holds financial responsibility for contract performance, procurement activity on behalf of Defra Group Property, and advises senior leaders on contractual risk, performance improvement, efficiency, and service change.
The role will shape and influence the adoption of digital solutions to improve contract lifecycle management, insight, and reporting, but will not be accountable for technical system delivery.
Head of Contracts Centre of Expertise employer: Government Recruitment Service
As the Head of Contracts Centre of Expertise at Defra Group, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises operational excellence and sustainability. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and professional growth, offering you the chance to shape industry-leading contract management standards while working on high-value projects that make a real impact. With a commitment to employee development and a supportive environment, this role provides a unique opportunity to lead and influence within a vital government function.
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Contracts Centre of Expertise
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect 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 company and its contracts. Understand their KPIs and how you can drive value for money. This will show you're not just interested in the role but also in making a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with managing high-value contracts and ensuring compliance. Confidence is key, so rehearse your answers to common interview questions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Contracts Centre of Expertise
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing high-value contracts and your understanding of property and facilities management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to drive value for money. Use metrics where possible to illustrate your impact – numbers speak volumes!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the Head of Contracts role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the intricacies of high-value contracts, especially in property and facilities management. Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators (KPIs) and compliance obligations that are relevant to the role, as this will show your depth of knowledge and readiness to hold suppliers accountable.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Leadership
Prepare examples that showcase your experience in leading contract management initiatives. Highlight how you've successfully managed complex contracts in the past, focusing on your ability to drive value for money and mitigate risks. This will illustrate your capability to operate credibly at all levels within an organisation.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss how you've translated business needs into contractual outcomes. Bring specific examples of how you've improved operational continuity and financial control in previous roles. This will help convey your understanding of the commercial landscape and your strategic approach to contract management.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
Since the role has the potential to evolve, it's crucial to express your willingness to adapt and grow with the position. Share instances where you've reshaped processes or led teams through change, demonstrating your proactive mindset and commitment to aligning with industry standards and organisational priorities.
