Join us at the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) as a Contract and Management Supplier Lead. The Contract and Supplier Management Lead serves as the primary assurance for the platform’s supplier contract execution, ensuring appropriate financial stewardship and value‑for‑money frameworks are realised. Reporting directly to the Corporate Director for Pensions Platform and working with MaPS’ Commercial team, you will hold accountability for the contractual lifecycle of the multi‑million‑pound Integrated Service Provider (ISP) and other associated contracts, ensuring the provider’s commercial drivers remain strictly aligned with MaPS’ delivery milestones and regulatory obligations and executing MaPS’ Third‑Party risk management controls.
You will bring a sophisticated commercial mindset, acting as an objective quality gatekeeper for supplier delivery. Beyond day‑to‑day contract administration, you will oversee the strategic execution of the platform’s Knowledge Transfer (KT) via a dedicated Knowledge Transition Manager, leveraging contractual mechanisms to enforce supplier compliance and ensure MaPS regains the full control, data sovereignty, and intellectual property ownership required to secure this critical national asset.
Key Responsibilities
- Operates within the overall technology and commercial strategy, standards, and governance set by the CDIO, central MaPS Commercial team, and the Corporate Director.
- Accountable for contract performance, budget management, and value‑for‑money optimisation across the Pensions Dashboards digital infrastructure.
- Collaborates effectively with the Head of Platform Delivery, the Head of IT Service, the Pensions Dashboards Service Owner, the MaPS Commercial team, and MaPS Finance teams.
- Identifies, manages, and mitigates material commercial, financial, and vendor lock‑in risks, escalating to executive governance as appropriate.
Key accountabilities
Responsible for the proactive commercial stewardship of the platform budget and the overarching ISP contract. Aggressively utilise contractual performance levers, financial incentives, and value‑for‑money frameworks to maximise supplier efficacy and protect the public purse.
2. Strategic Knowledge Transition Governance
Oversee the end‑to‑end Knowledge Transfer (KT) framework via the dedicated Knowledge Transition Manager. Ensure the suppliers fulfil their contractual obligations especially phased handovers while minimising operational friction.
3. Commercial Lever Management & Quality Assurance
Serve as the objective contract gatekeeper with the authority to withhold milestone payments, pause stage gates, apply financial service credits, or escalates contract disputes when the supplier fails to meet technical definitions of done or handover criteria. Managing the contract’s operational budget, leading the commercial execution of Statements of Work (SoWs), contract indexation reviews, and formal contract variations to maintain the flexibility required for agile operational and data exchange requirements. Translate complex contractual clauses, supplier performance metrics, and financial risks into clear, actionable, and trusted strategic advice for the Corporate Director and central MaPS Commercial teams.
Essential & Desirable Skills and Experience
- Commercial Contract Management: Significant experience in senior commercial contract management, with a proven track record of holding major technology vendors or Managed Service Providers (ISPs) to account within high‑value infrastructure frameworks.
- Contractual Lever Management: Experience using performance points, and service credits to drive value for money and supplier accountability.
- Outsource to Insource Transition: Demonstrated success in managing the contractual mechanics of complex digital transitions, contract exit strategies, "knowledge extraction" protocols, and de‑risking vendor lock‑in.
- Financial Stewardship & Budgeting: Expertise and experience in managing large‑scale operational budgets, understanding vendor cost models, and executing formal contract variations and Statements of Work (SoWs).
- Matrix Stakeholder Management: Experience operating within a matrixed agile environment, successfully partnering with technical delivery leads, legal specialists, and senior executives to protect organisational sovereignty.
What We Offer
- Pension scheme – contributions matched 2 to 1 (employer contribution up to 10% of your salary)
- Interest‑free loan for season tickets for buses and trains
- Cycle to work Scheme
- Subsidised eye tests & flu jabs
- Give as you earn scheme
- Employee assistance programme (EAP)
- Enhanced family and sick pay
- Paid volunteering (2 days a year)
- Recognition Scheme
- Discounts portal to numerous retailers
Flexible Working
At MaPS, we take pride in our flexible approach to work. As standard, we work on a hybrid basis with a minimum of 2 days in the office per month. Hybrid working is a voluntary, non‑contractual arrangement and our headquarters in Bedford will be your contractual place of work. The number of days that anyone can work at home will be determined primarily by business needs, but personal and other relevant circumstances will also be considered. If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.
Contract and Management Supplier Lead in Bedford employer: Money and Pensions Service
At the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) in Bedford, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values integrity, collaboration, and professional growth. Our supportive work culture fosters innovation and encourages employees to take ownership of their roles, while offering ample opportunities for career advancement and skill development. Join us to make a meaningful impact on national financial stewardship and enjoy the unique advantage of working in a dynamic environment dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals across the UK.
Contact Details:
Money and Pensions Service Recruitment Team
