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 in Kettering 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 focus on creating a supportive environment, Defra Group is an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers 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 Kettering
✨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 in Kettering
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 specific needs of the Head of Contracts role.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've driven value for money and improved service delivery in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you can bring to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key messages stand out. This will make it easier for us to understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details directly and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of high-value contracts, especially those related to property and facilities management. Brush up on key performance indicators (KPIs) and governance standards that are crucial for the role, as this will show your understanding of what’s expected.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that showcase your ability to manage complex contracts and drive value for money. Think about how you’ve previously mitigated risks or improved service delivery, and be ready to discuss these strategies in detail during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential leader in this role, it’s important to highlight your experience in managing teams and influencing stakeholders. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve led contract management initiatives and how you can shape the future of the team at Defra Group Property.
✨Align with Organisational Priorities
Familiarise yourself with Defra's goals around efficiency, sustainability, and workplace experience. During the interview, connect your past experiences and achievements to these priorities, demonstrating how you can contribute to their vision and operational continuity.
