At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts and ensure compliance for a flagship government programme driving economic growth.
- Company: Department for Business and Trade, focused on supporting businesses and creating job opportunities.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and help unlock high-potential sites across the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong communication skills required.
On behalf of Department for Business and Trade (DBT), we are looking for a Contract Manager - Inside IR35 for a 5 month contract working on a Hybrid basis (2 days per week in London or Darlington office and remaining WFH).
What we do
We are the department for economic growth. We support businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country.
The Team
The Strategic Sites Accelerator (SSA) Programme is a national initiative launched under the Industrial Strategy aimed at unlocking complex, high-potential commercial and industrial sites across the UK to drive investment and economic growth. Led by the Office for Investment (OfI), the programme will deploy a range of interventions to assist, accelerate, and acquire strategic sites. This includes a novel approach to the use of Financial Transactions (FTs) to allow DBT to invest in stalled site projects to drive progress and seek a return on its investment.
About the Role
The postholder will be the lead commercial contract manager responsible for overseeing the performance, compliance and value for money delivery of all commercial contracts held by OfI for the SSA Programme, including the programme’s National Delivery Partner (NDP) contract, as well as contracts with investors or Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) where the SSA Programme has made investments. The NDP will play a significant role in the delivery and success of this flagship programme, providing both specific expertise in commercial real estate, financial modelling, asset management and programme delivery, making up a large proportion of the team’s overall delivery capacity.
This contract is worth £5m over 3 years and is classed as a government ‘silver contract’, requiring effective management to ensure value for money throughout the lifecycle. This role ensures that the NDP fulfils the commercial, financial, technical, and programme delivery requirements set out in the contract, ensuring they integrate into the team and meet relevant milestones, KPIs and obligations. The role will also ensure a healthy working culture across the OfI and NDP teams which maximises the use of both skill sets. The postholder will also ensure OfI complies with its own obligations to the contract, including timely and accurate payment of invoices.
The SSA programme is likely to also need additional contracts throughout its lifecycle, notably for a separate M&E supplier, legal advice and potentially other specialist advisors. The role holder will lead on the SSA’s overall approach to commercial relationships, supporting additional procurement exercises, onboarding and contract management. This will also extend to supporting OfI’s commercial obligations through its site investments with private sector partners.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead day‑to‑day management of the NDP contract, ensuring full compliance with all obligations and deliverables.
- Support onboarding of the NDP and embed a positive and integrated working culture across the OfI and NDP teams.
- Establish and run contract governance structures, ensuring accurate reporting, transparent decision‑making, and timely escalation of risks and issues.
- Oversee the NDP’s portfolio‑wide delivery approach, ensuring concurrent workstreams operate effectively and are aligned with programme milestones and ministerial expectations.
- Ensure contractual KPIs and Service Levels are monitored, drive continuous improvement and ensure contract change‑control procedures are followed where applicable.
- Work with the NDP on appropriately packaging and pricing additional work packages not included under their fixed fee, ensuring these reflect value for money.
- Ensure invoices are accurate and are paid in a timely manner, working with DBT finance and OfI Finance and Operations team.
- As required, support additional procurement processes and manage other SSA contracts including for specialist suppliers, such as legal advice.
Experience Required
- Demonstrable experience of contract management, delivering day to day oversight of supplier performance and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
- Proven ability to work effectively with external delivery partners (at senior level), including supporting onboarding, maintaining positive, collaborative working relationships and addressing stakeholder conflicts.
- Experience contributing to and operating contract governance arrangements, including performance reporting, issue tracking, and escalation.
- Demonstrable experience coordinating multiple workstreams or activities in parallel, ensuring delivery against agreed milestones and priorities.
- Experience monitoring contractual KPIs and service levels, identifying performance issues and supporting continuous improvement.
- Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to keep clear records and provide clear, timely updates on progress, risks, and issues.
- Strong business acumen and sense of value for money, particularly in a public sector context.
- Awareness of Government Commercial Function standards or public sector contract management good practice.
- Experience supporting procurement activity, such as call offs or sourcing specialist suppliers.
- Experience managing or supporting contracts with professional services suppliers, including advisory or legal services.
- Experience working on large government programmes with senior stakeholder or ministerial interest.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.
Disability Confident
As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, DBT guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. DBT guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex‑military candidates/military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.
In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
Contracts Manager employer: Great British Energy Group
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters economic growth and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development, the DBT provides opportunities for professional growth while promoting a collaborative culture that values diversity and inclusion. Working in either London or Darlington, employees benefit from a hybrid working model that supports work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Great British Energy Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Great British Energy Group
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Great British Energy Group.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Great British Energy Group that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
