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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
✨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 be able to demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in contract management and governance.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of your past successes in managing high-value contracts to the table. We believe that concrete evidence of your skills can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We’re excited to see how you can contribute to our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Contracts Centre of Expertise in Norfolk
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 ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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, as this will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Supplier Management Skills
Think about examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed suppliers and held them accountable to KPIs. Be ready to share specific strategies you used to drive value for money and mitigate risks, as this will highlight your commercial acumen and ability to operate at all levels.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills, so come prepared with examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Discuss how you’ve established contract management standards and governance, and how you can shape the future of the role as it matures within the organisation.
✨Align with Organisational Priorities
Familiarise yourself with Defra Group's priorities, such as efficiency, sustainability, and workplace experience. Be ready to discuss how your approach to contract management can support these goals, demonstrating that you’re not just focused on compliance but also on delivering broader organisational value.
