At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts and support projects to ensure timely delivery and compliance.
- Company: Join a purpose-driven education business making a real-world impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive benefits, hybrid work, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career growth and development in a collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that helps people progress through learning.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
This role aligns to industry-level titles such as Contracts Specialist, Contracts Manager, Government Contracts Specialist, Project Contracts Coordinator.
Your Opportunity
Are you highly organised, confident working with stakeholders, and motivated by delivering work that has real-world impact? As Specialist, Contracts Management, you’ll help support the delivery of government contracts linked to the Pearson Tests of English (PTE) portfolio. You’ll play a key role in keeping contract activity on track, supporting projects, managing documentation, and helping teams deliver high-quality services on time, within budget, and in line with agreed requirements. The role will also manage specific projects to ensure they are delivered to time, within scope, quality and budget parameters, in accordance with a standardised, controlled project management methodology. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys structured project work, stakeholder collaboration, problem-solving, and working in a purpose-driven education business that helps people progress in their lives through learning.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate, organised contract documentation and governance processes.
- Support positive working relationships with government agency contacts, in the UK and internationally, co-ordinating with internal teams.
- Monitor contract milestones, service levels, deliverables, risks, and compliance updates.
- Support governance activities including reporting, contract reviews, risk registers, performance monitoring and customer deliverables.
- Coordinate with stakeholders to resolve contract-related issues and escalate risks and issues when needed.
- Support project planning, including scope, timelines, resources, governance, reporting, and change control.
- Provide guidance to project teams on contractual obligations and implications.
- Help ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget, and to a high-quality standard.
- Support tenders, bids, and commercial activities to help Pearson grow new business.
Required Skills & Experience
- Experience working in customer-focused environments, ideally within a contract-based Government client or other large supplier relationship.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with confidence engaging and negotiating with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and reporting skills, with the ability to analyse information and present insights clearly.
- Good understanding of project management methodologies and structured delivery approaches.
- Ability to coordinate multiple priorities, track progress, and maintain strong attention to detail.
- Commercial awareness, to include contract management, and a proactive approach to identifying risks, issues, and opportunities for improvement.
- Collaborative working style, customer focus, and commitment to quality.
- Good understanding of public sector ways of working, culture, or stakeholder environments (desirable).
Qualifications:
- Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
- PRINCE2 certification or strong knowledge of PRINCE2 would be an advantage.
- Background or education in law, contract management, or a related field would be beneficial.
- Knowledge of English language qualifications, testing, or assessment services would be helpful.
Location & Work Set Up
This is a full-time hybrid role based in the UK, with regular collaboration from our London office.
Your Rewards & Benefits
We know you’ll do great work, so we give a lot back with some of the best benefits in the business. We know one size doesn’t fit all, so our workplace programs meet the different needs of our diverse teams, and their families, too.
Please see our attractive UK benefits here: Home - Pearson Benefits
Please note: We’ll be reviewing applications and conducting initial recruiter conversations with selected candidates on an ongoing basis. However, hiring manager interviews are most likely to take place toward mid- to late-August. Thank you for your patience and continued interest in the opportunity.
Specialist, Contracts Management in London employer: Pearson
Pearson is an excellent employer that values flexibility and a supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for those seeking part-time opportunities in Birmingham. With a commitment to employee growth, Pearson offers training and development resources, ensuring that staff can enhance their skills while contributing to a meaningful mission of education and assessment. The friendly atmosphere and focus on compliance create a rewarding environment for Test Centre Administrators who enjoy helping candidates succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist, Contracts Management in London
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Pearson, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Pearson and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist, Contracts Management in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Pearson and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Pearson, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Pearson.
