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- Tasks: Lead and manage skills programmes, ensuring high-quality delivery and compliance.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team at the North East Combined Authority.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on learners and communities across the North East.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong performance management skills.
- Other info: Inclusive employer welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The predicted salary is between 46142 - 49282 £ per year.
Location: The Lumen, St James' Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne, various ‘spoke’ offices throughout the North East and remote working arrangements.
Salary: N9, £46,142 – 49,282 per annum. Contract: Full-time, Permanent.
Reporting to: Skills Delivery Lead. Closing Date: Monday 27th April 2026 at 23:59.
Join our Skills team as a Senior Skills Relationship and Contract Manager. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the success of the North East Combined Authority’s devolved skills programmes. Acting as the vital link between Contract Managers and the Skills Relationship & Contract Management Lead, you will provide strategic operational oversight to ensure commissioned provision is high quality, compliant and consistently aligned with regional priorities. This is a chance to directly influence delivery that makes a genuine difference to learners, communities and employers across the North East.
Responsibilities
- Lead with confidence and clarity, supervising Contract Managers and embedding strong performance management across the team.
- Analyse complex provider performance data to identify risks and resolve challenging contract issues.
- Drive continuous improvement and ensure robust support, challenge and accountability.
- Take ownership of performance meetings with high-risk or priority providers, shaping actions and recommendations that lead to meaningful and sustained improvements.
- Strengthen provider relationships and ensure partners understand expectations, funding rules and quality requirements.
- Help shape future commissioning activity, support programme mobilisation and refine processes and tools that underpin effective contract management.
- Coordinate operational workstreams and deputise for the Skills Delivery Lead when required.
Qualifications and experience
- Experience in devolved skills programmes or similar contracted provision and contract management.
- Strong capability in performance management, data analysis and risk assessment.
- Ability to manage stakeholder relationships and communicate expectations clearly.
- Strategic mindset with leadership capabilities and willingness to take on senior responsibilities.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We support flexible working and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented, including women, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
Senior Skills Relationship and Contract Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA)
Contact Detail:
North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Skills Relationship and Contract Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially in areas like performance management and stakeholder relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your strategic mindset and leadership capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Skills Relationship and Contract Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in devolved skills programmes and contract management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Senior Skills Relationship and Contract Manager, leadership is key. Use your application to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage performance effectively. Share specific examples where you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
Be Data Savvy: Since analysing complex provider performance data is part of the job, make sure to mention any experience you have with data analysis and risk assessment. We love seeing candidates who can turn numbers into actionable insights!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the North East Combined Authority’s devolved skills programmes. Familiarise yourself with their goals, challenges, and recent developments. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership capabilities, especially in managing teams and driving performance. Think of specific situations where you’ve successfully supervised others or improved processes, as this role requires strong leadership to oversee Contract Managers.
✨Data is Key
Brush up on your data analysis skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used performance data to identify risks and resolve issues in previous roles. Providing concrete examples will demonstrate your analytical mindset and ability to make data-driven decisions.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves strengthening provider relationships, think about how you’ve effectively managed stakeholder communications in the past. Prepare to discuss strategies you’ve used to ensure clarity and alignment with expectations, as this will be crucial for success in the position.