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 Tonbridge 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. The Head of Contracts Centre of Expertise role not only provides the opportunity to shape strategic contract management practices but also fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring that employees can thrive while contributing to sustainability and efficiency goals. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on professional development, Defra Group is an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
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 Tonbridge
✨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 contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your experience with high-value contracts and supplier management. Use real examples to demonstrate how you’ve driven value for money and managed risks effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you. Tailor your application to highlight your commercial acumen and technical knowledge, and let us see how you can help shape the future of contract management at Defra Group Property.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Contracts Centre of Expertise in Tonbridge
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 shows you’re keen to join the StudySmarter team!
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 in property and facilities management. Be prepared to discuss your experience with managing complex contracts and how you've ensured compliance and performance in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Leadership
Showcase your ability to lead and influence at all levels. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and driven value for money while maintaining operational continuity. This will highlight your strategic mindset and leadership skills.
✨Be Ready to Discuss KPIs and Performance Metrics
Familiarise yourself with common KPIs used in contract management. Be ready to explain how you've held suppliers accountable to these metrics in the past and how you plan to do so in this role. This shows your focus on delivering service excellence.
✨Emphasise Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare to discuss your understanding of financial control and risk management in contract delivery. Share specific examples where you've mitigated risks or prevented cost leakage, demonstrating your commercial awareness and ability to drive efficiency.
