Contract Management Officer in Gateshead

Driving better outcomes for people who need it most.

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

The Commissioning, Performance and Service Development Service plays a vital role in improving the lives of local people by ensuring high-quality, effective services are designed, delivered, and continuously improved. The service leads on identifying needs across adult social care, children’s services, and education, shaping and commissioning services in partnership with providers and stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes for residents. It also oversees performance management, giving a clear understanding of how well services are supporting people, while driving service improvement through insight, innovation, and learning.

With responsibility for areas such as home-to-school transport, complaints and feedback, and strategic development, the service is at the heart of shaping responsive, efficient, and forward-thinking services that meet the needs of Gateshead’s communities.

As a Contract Management Officer, you will play a vital role in ensuring high-quality, safe and effective services for vulnerable adults. Working at the heart of commissioning and service delivery, you will analyse data, manage contracts and build strong partnerships to drive continuous improvement. You will oversee service monitoring, contribute to strategic planning and support the development of innovative, customer‑focused solutions that deliver value for money and positive outcomes for communities.

What you’ll get to do:

• Analyse and communicate information with commissioning colleagues and operational support staff to assist in strategic planning and ensure safe and effective service delivery.
• Carry out contract reviews and follow up reports across commissioned services, establishing and maintaining effective scheme review and inspection programmes to ensure high-quality, cost‑effective services that safeguard vulnerable adults.
• Develop and maintain relationships with a range of partners and service users to ensure that the planning, monitoring, review, and delivery of contracted services ensures the ongoing provision of customer‑focused, quality services.
• Assist in the development of specifications, contracts and procurement of services including accreditations and financial checks.
• Create documentation and implement systems for monitoring services, incorporating quality control and assurance, to ensure contract compliance.
• Undertake specific project work as directed by the Commissioning Officer or Director.
• Collect, prepare and analyse statistical and other information effectively to inform future service development as required.
• Assist with provider/market development and implementing best practice and new models of service delivery.
• Attend and contribute to meetings with Officers, Members, other statutory and independent agencies, service users and carers.

What you’ll bring:

• A strong foundation in health and social care with knowledge of relevant policy, legislation, and regulatory frameworks, backed by A Levels (or equivalent) or demonstrable experience.
• Confidence communicating with impact able to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders, from service users to senior colleagues, with clarity and professionalism.
• Relationship‑building expertise skilled at creating and maintaining effective partnerships that support high-quality, person‑centred services.
• A sharp analytical mindset able to gather, interpret and use data and information to inform decision‑making and drive service improvements.
• Excellent written communication skills experienced in producing clear, concise reports for a variety of audiences, both internal and external.
• Resilient and organised approach to work confident working independently, prioritising competing demands and making sound decisions, while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Strong numerical and digital skills comfortable managing financial information or using data, with solid IT skills and a focus on delivering efficient, value‑for‑money services.

What’s in it for you:

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too.
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you:

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high‑volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.