At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise operational contracts to ensure compliance and performance.
- Company: Join Southern Housing, a values-led organisation dedicated to creating safe communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with autonomy and strategic reach across a diverse portfolio.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on housing contracts while influencing senior decision-making.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Southern Housing, our vision is to create communities where everyone has a safe home in a place they’re proud to live. We’re a large, values-led organisation with a strong local presence, using our scale to deliver positive outcomes for residents and communities. Strong governance, accountability and clear contractual control are central to how we do this.
We are now seeking a highly capable Contract Manager (Operations) to play a pivotal role in strengthening how we manage, govern and optimise our operational contracts. This is a high-impact role offering real autonomy, visibility and influence across a diverse housing portfolio.
Reporting to the Head of Commercial Operations, you will lead the development and ongoing management of a robust contract management framework across student, keyworker, market rent, co-operative and short-life accommodation. You will ensure contractual arrangements are effectively governed, performance-driven and aligned with our strategic objectives and risk appetite helping to mitigate contractual, financial, legal and reputational risk.
You will act as a trusted subject-matter expert, working closely with internal teams and external partners to embed clarity, accountability and compliance. The role has a strong focus on assurance and insight: monitoring performance, leading audits and reviews, managing risk and breaches, and providing clear, evidence-based reporting to senior leaders, committees and the Board. You will also help shape KPIs, SLAs and performance frameworks to ensure strong delivery and value for money.
This role will suit someone comfortable operating in complex environments, leading through influence and supporting executive-level decision-making while consistently demonstrating our HEART values of being Honest, Efficient, Accountable, Respectful and Trusted. Hybrid working is available, with a base at Fleet House, Clerkenwell, London.
What you’ll be doing:
- Developing, implementing and maintaining a comprehensive contract management framework covering leases, management agreements, SLAs and related contracts
- Establishing and operating effective governance and assurance structures for contractual performance, compliance and risk
- Acting as the organisational subject-matter expert on contractual obligations, providing clear guidance and support to colleagues
- Conducting audits and reviews to ensure compliance with legislation, regulation and internal policy
- Monitoring provider performance against KPIs, service standards and statutory requirements
- Proactively identifying contractual and operational risks and leading corrective action plans
- Managing key relationships with partners, providers, local authorities and internal stakeholders
- Investigating, documenting and resolving contractual breaches and poor performance, escalating where required
- Leading on contract variations, change control and change-in-law activities, ensuring impacts are clearly understood and formally recorded
- Producing high-quality reports and insight for senior management, committees and the Board
- Driving continuous improvement in contract management processes, systems and reporting
Who we’re looking for:
You will be an experienced contract or governance professional, confident working with complex contractual arrangements and multiple stakeholders. You will bring strong assurance, compliance and performance management capability, with the ability to interpret contractual requirements and translate them into practical, operational oversight. Credible, analytical and influential, you will be comfortable challenging constructively, leading without formal authority, and driving accountability and value for money.
Why join us:
This is a rare opportunity to step into a role with genuine authority, visibility and strategic reach. You will work closely with senior leaders, shaping how the organisation manages contractual risk and performance across a diverse and high-value portfolio. For a high-potential professional seeking a role that combines autonomy, complexity and purpose while offering clear exposure to executive-level decision-making, Southern Housing provides a compelling and meaningful next step.
Contract Manager in City of London employer: Job Switch
At Southern Housing, we pride ourselves on being a large, values-led organisation dedicated to creating safe and proud communities. Our work culture fosters collaboration and accountability, providing employees with the autonomy to influence strategic decisions while ensuring their professional growth through continuous improvement initiatives. With a strong local presence in Clerkenwell, London, we offer a hybrid working model that supports work-life balance, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in contract management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Manager in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing and contract management sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Southern Housing's values and recent projects. Show us that you understand our mission to create safe communities and how your skills as a Contract Manager can contribute to that vision. Tailor your responses to reflect our HEART values!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Contract Manager. Highlight your expertise in governance, compliance, and performance management. We want to see how you can lead and influence without formal authority.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Southern Housing. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Manager in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with contract management and governance. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've improved contract performance or managed risks in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Switch
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of contracts you'll be managing. Familiarise yourself with key terms like SLAs, KPIs, and compliance requirements. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Governance Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with governance structures and how you've implemented them in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've ensured compliance and managed risks effectively. This will highlight your ability to lead and influence in complex environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific contractual challenges or breaches. Think through potential scenarios and outline your approach to resolving issues while maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Emphasise Your HEART Values
Southern Housing values honesty, efficiency, accountability, respect, and trust. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences that reflect these values. This will help you connect with the organisation's culture and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their team.
