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 property management and complex contract oversight required.
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 London employer: Government Recruitment Service
As a leading employer in the public sector, Defra Group offers a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong focus on sustainability and efficiency, the Head of Contracts Centre of Expertise role provides an opportunity to shape industry-leading contract management practices while working alongside dedicated professionals committed to delivering value for money. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture, comprehensive training programmes, and the chance to influence significant projects that impact the community and environment.
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 London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. We want you to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in contract management and governance. Tailor your responses to highlight your commercial acumen!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. We can’t stress enough how important it is to articulate your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex contracts and supplier management.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Contracts Centre of Expertise in London
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 key aspects of high-value contracts, especially those related to property and facilities management. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure governance and performance delivery for contracts exceeding £800m.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Leadership
Showcase your experience in leading contract management teams and how you've established industry-leading standards. Prepare examples of how you've influenced organisational priorities through effective supplier management and governance.
✨Be Ready to Discuss KPIs and Compliance
Familiarise yourself with common KPIs used in contract management and be ready to explain how you would hold suppliers accountable. Highlight your approach to managing risk and compliance obligations in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare to discuss your commercial insights and how they have driven value for money in past contracts. Think about specific instances where your decisions led to operational continuity and prevented cost leakage.
