At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage high-value contracts, ensuring performance and compliance.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on property and facilities management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop a specialist team and influence industry standards.
- Why this job: Shape the future of contract management and drive organisational efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex contracts and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € 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 in Kent 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 professional growth, offering opportunities to shape strategic initiatives while ensuring compliance and value for money in high-value contracts. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on innovative solutions, Defra Group is an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful impact in property and facilities management.
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Contracts Centre of Expertise in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the property and facilities management sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. 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 they measure success. This will help you speak their language and show that you’re genuinely interested in driving value for money and service excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with high-value contracts! Be ready to discuss specific examples where you’ve managed complex contracts or improved operational efficiency. Use metrics to back up your achievements – numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you that dream role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Contracts Centre of Expertise in Kent
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:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the key aspects of contract management, especially in relation to high-value outsourced contracts. Familiarise yourself with the specific contracts mentioned in the job description, like the integrated FM contract with ISS and the travel contract with CTM. This will show your potential employer that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in their operations.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects in contract management. Highlight how you've established governance frameworks or improved performance metrics. This role requires someone who can operate credibly at all levels, so be ready to discuss how you've influenced stakeholders and driven value for money in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss how you've managed financial responsibilities in previous positions. Think about times when you've mitigated risks or prevented cost leakage. Use specific figures or outcomes to illustrate your success. This will help demonstrate that you have the commercial insight needed for this role.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability and Vision
Since this role has the potential to evolve, it's important to convey your ability to adapt and shape the future of contract management. Share your thoughts on industry trends and how you would implement digital solutions to enhance contract lifecycle management. This shows that you're forward-thinking and ready to contribute to the long-term vision of the organisation.
