Assistant Contracts Manager

Assistant Contracts Manager

Edinburgh Full-Time 26700 - 39700 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support contract management and drive sustainability initiatives within Historic Environment Scotland.
  • Company: Historic Environment Scotland is dedicated to preserving and promoting Scotland's historic environment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, opportunities for professional growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of contract management while contributing to sustainability goals in a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in contract management, strong communication skills, and a full UK driving licence required.
  • Other info: This role offers a unique opportunity to influence operational excellence and sustainability efforts.

The predicted salary is between 26700 - 39700 Β£ per year.

Are you passionate about driving excellence in contracts management? Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is seeking an Assistant Contracts Manager to support the continuous improvement of contract management activities within our Operations directorate. This newly created role offers the opportunity to work alongside the Contracts Manager and collaborate with colleagues across the business to maximise contract opportunities. You will play a key role in ensuring Operations teams have the resources and support they need for successful contract delivery. Additionally, you will be responsible for overseeing HES Waste Broker and cleaning contracts, leveraging supplier expertise to help achieve our climate goals.

About the role: Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is seeking an Assistant Contracts Manager to join the Planning and Reporting Team within the Operations Directorate. This team provides essential business planning and reporting services, driving continuous improvement and implementing positive change to enhance efficiency and productivity across the directorate including our contracts management processes. Initially, the primary focus of this role (for the first 2–3 years) will be managing HES’s waste and cleaning contracts, ensuring contract performance is maximised and value is achieved. You will work to align these contracts with targets set out in HES’s Waste & Resources Paper and Climate Action Plan, leveraging supplier expertise to support sustainability goals.

A key responsibility will be supporting Operations through a transition to a new model, where cleaning services and materials are sourced separately. You will ensure colleagues understand and effectively utilise these contracts to drive sustainability efforts and maintain cost efficiency. Additionally, you will:

  • Work closely with the Waste Broker to implement a cycle of audits and manage a budget to deliver measurable improvements.
  • Act as a central point of contact for escalated concerns, supporting local Waste Leads across regional Operations teams in delivering waste and cleaning services.
  • Harness supplier expertise and innovation to enhance recycling efforts and reduce waste across the HES estate.
  • Support the Contracts Manager in increasing efficiency and optimising contract performance across Operations activities.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to shape the way HES manages contracts, ensuring operational excellence while contributing to broader sustainability ambitions.

About you: We are seeking a proactive and relationship-focused individual with experience in contract management. The ideal candidate will have experience in overseeing service contracts, ensuring compliance, and contributing to ongoing improvements in operational processes.

Key requirements:

  • Experience of contract management
  • Experience of negotiation and capable of influencing others
  • Ability to problem solve
  • Ability to analyse contract performance
  • Capable of independently handling tasks while effectively balancing competing demands
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Full UK driving licence as the role will involve regular travel to HES locations, which may not be accessible via public transport

The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping contracts within HES, supporting sustainable, cost-effective, and high-quality service delivery across the estate.

Interested? Visit our website here to view the full job description and for information about applying online for this interesting and exciting opportunity. Closing date: midday, Wednesday 25 June 2025. Interviews: to be held w/c 7 July 2025.

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Contact Detail:

Historic Environment Scotland Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Contracts Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Historic Environment Scotland's sustainability goals and initiatives. Understanding their Waste & Resources Paper and Climate Action Plan will help you demonstrate your alignment with their values during discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the contract management field, especially those who have experience in public sector contracts. Engaging with them can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed contracts in the past. Highlight your negotiation skills and any improvements you've implemented, as these will be key in showcasing your fit for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on current trends in waste management and sustainability. Being knowledgeable about innovative practices can set you apart and show your commitment to enhancing recycling efforts and reducing waste.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Contracts Manager

Contract Management
Negotiation Skills
Influencing Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Analytical Skills
Budget Management
Communication Skills
Relationship Management
Project Management
Sustainability Knowledge
Audit Management
Time Management
Adaptability
Full UK Driving Licence

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in contract management, negotiation, and problem-solving. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to oversee service contracts and improve operational processes.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for sustainability and contract management. Mention how your skills align with the role's requirements and express your enthusiasm for contributing to Historic Environment Scotland's goals.

Highlight Key Skills: In your application, emphasise your strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as your ability to analyse contract performance. These are crucial for the Assistant Contracts Manager role.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential in contract management.

How to prepare for a job interview at Historic Environment Scotland

✨Understand the Role

Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of the Assistant Contracts Manager role. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with managing waste and cleaning contracts, as well as your approach to driving sustainability.

✨Showcase Your Contract Management Experience

Highlight your previous experience in contract management during the interview. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully overseen service contracts, ensured compliance, and contributed to improvements in operational processes.

✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare to discuss scenarios where you've had to problem-solve in a contract management context. This could involve negotiating terms, handling escalated concerns, or finding innovative solutions to enhance recycling efforts.

✨Communicate Effectively

Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be ready to explain complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand, especially when discussing contract performance and sustainability goals.

Assistant Contracts Manager
Historic Environment Scotland
Location: Edinburgh
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