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 Lincolnshire 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 Lincolnshire
✨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’s recent projects and challenges. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around contract management and supplier oversight. We want to see you shine as the expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your past roles, focus on specific examples where you’ve driven value for money or improved service delivery. Use metrics to back up your claims – numbers speak volumes in this field!
✨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 platform. Let’s get you that dream role together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Contracts Centre of Expertise in Lincolnshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of Contracts Centre of Expertise role. Highlight your experience in managing high-value contracts and any relevant property or facilities management expertise. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven value for money and managed complex contracts in the past. Let us see your passion for contract management!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, demonstrate your ability to think strategically about contract governance and performance. We’re looking for someone who can translate business needs into actionable outcomes, so don’t hold back on sharing your insights and ideas!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
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, so you can discuss them confidently.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples that showcase your ability to drive value for money and manage financial control. Think about past experiences where you've held suppliers accountable to KPIs or mitigated risks effectively, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves strategic leadership, be ready to discuss how you've led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in establishing governance and assurance frameworks, and how you've influenced others to adopt best practices in contract management.
✨Align with Organisational Priorities
Understand the broader goals of the Defra Group Property function, such as efficiency, sustainability, and workplace experience. Be prepared to articulate how your vision for the role aligns with these priorities and how you can contribute to achieving them.
