Skills Relationship and Contract Manager

Skills Relationship and Contract Manager

Full-Time 40777 - 45091 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape high-quality skills provision and drive impactful programmes across the North East.
  • Company: Join a dynamic partnership focused on community growth and skills development.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Other info: Inclusive employer welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in skills delivery and influence positive change in your community.
  • Qualifications: Strong contract management skills and a passion for building relationships.

The predicted salary is between 40777 - 45091 £ per year.

Location: The Lumen, St James' Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne, various ‘spoke’ offices throughout the North East and remote working arrangements.

Salary: N8 £40,777 - £45,091 per annum. (Please note it is North East MSA policy to appoint at the starting point of the salary band).

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Reporting to: Skills Delivery Lead

Closing Date: 12th June 2026 at 23:59

Join us as a Skills Relationship and Contract Manager and play a pivotal role in shaping high-quality skills provision across the North East. In this influential role, you will drive the successful delivery of key programmes that support the Integrated Settlement and Local Growth Plan, ensuring they achieve real impact for communities and employers. By combining strong contract management with a focus on performance, quality and outcomes, you’ll help ensure our skills investment delivers lasting value and responds to regional priorities.

You will work at the heart of a dynamic partnership landscape, building and sustaining effective relationships with training providers and stakeholders to secure the best possible provision. Leading performance and planning discussions, you’ll challenge and support partners to deliver against ambitious targets, while interpreting complex data to monitor progress, identify risks and drive continuous improvement. Your ability to connect insight with action will be key in ensuring programmes remain on track, within budget and aligned to strategic objectives.

Alongside this, you’ll contribute to shaping future skills delivery, supporting commissioning and procurement activity, informing service planning and advising on policy developments. There will be collaboration across teams, championing equality, diversity and inclusion, and helping to embed a culture of excellence and accountability. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives on building relationships, influencing outcomes and making a tangible difference to skills and growth in the region.

We are proud to be an inclusive employer, and we 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.

If you are a proactive relationship builder with strong contract management expertise, analytical insight and a passion for driving quality and impact in skills delivery, we would love to hear from you.

If you would like an informal discussion, or further information about this role please contact Michael Humes, Skills Delivery Lead. It is anticipated that interviews will take place on Friday 3rd July 2026.

For further information about the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority please visit our website www.northeast-ca.gov.uk.

Skills Relationship and Contract Manager employer: North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA)

Join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises inclusivity and community impact, making it an exceptional employer for the Skills Relationship and Contract Manager role. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements and a culture that champions equality, diversity, and continuous improvement, you will have ample opportunities for professional growth while contributing to meaningful projects that shape the future of skills provision across the North East. The collaborative environment at The Lumen, combined with the chance to influence regional priorities, makes this position not just a job, but a rewarding career path.

North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA)

Contact Details:

North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA) Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Skills Relationship and Contract Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its values, and think about how your skills align with their goals. Practising common interview questions can help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your achievements! When discussing your experience, focus on specific examples where you've made an impact. Use data and outcomes to illustrate your success in previous roles—this will make you stand out.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Skills Relationship and Contract Manager

Contract Management
Performance Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Data Analysis
Risk Identification
Continuous Improvement
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your skills in contract management and relationship building. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!

Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves interpreting complex data, be sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improvements in past roles. We love seeing candidates who can connect insight with action!

Emphasise Your Collaborative Spirit:This position is all about working with various stakeholders, so highlight your teamwork and collaboration skills. Share stories that demonstrate how you’ve built effective relationships and influenced outcomes in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. 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 North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA)

Know Your Skills Landscape

Before the interview, dive deep into the skills landscape of the North East. Familiarise yourself with local training providers and key stakeholders. This will not only show your commitment but also help you discuss how you can enhance relationships and drive quality in skills delivery.

Showcase Your Contract Management Expertise

Be ready to discuss specific examples of your contract management experience. Highlight how you've successfully navigated challenges, driven performance, and ensured compliance in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to manage contracts effectively in this new position.

Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions

Since the role involves interpreting complex data, brush up on your analytical skills. Prepare to discuss how you've used data to monitor progress and identify risks in past projects. This will illustrate your ability to connect insight with action, a key aspect of the job.

Emphasise Relationship Building

Think of examples where you've built strong relationships with stakeholders or partners. Be prepared to discuss your approach to collaboration and how you’ve influenced outcomes positively. This will resonate well with the interviewers looking for someone who thrives on building connections.