At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and management of a robust contract framework for diverse housing projects.
- Company: Dynamic housing association in London focused on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Temporary role with potential for extension and a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising contracts and ensuring compliance across a diverse portfolio.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 € per year.
Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Contracts Manager for our client, a housing association based in London. The successful post holder will play a pivotal role in strengthening how the organisation manages, governs and optimises operational contracts. This is a high-impact role offering autonomy, visibility and influence across a diverse housing portfolio. Reporting to the Head of Commercial Operations, they will lead the development and ongoing management of a robust contract management framework across student, keyworker, market rent, co-operative and short-life accommodation.
They will ensure contractual arrangements are effectively governed, performance-driven and aligned with our strategic objectives and risk appetite, helping to mitigate contractual, financial, legal and reputational risk. They will act as a trusted subject-matter expert, working closely with internal teams and external partners to embed clarity, accountability and compliance. The role has a strong focus on assurance and insight: monitoring performance, leading audits and reviews, managing risk and breaches, and providing clear, evidence-based reporting to senior leaders, committees and the Board. They will also help shape KPIs, SLAs and performance frameworks to ensure strong delivery and value for money. This role is a temporary contract initially for 6 months with the possibility to extend. This role is hybrid working.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Developing, implementing and maintaining a comprehensive contract management framework covering leases, management agreements, SLAs and related contracts.
- Establishing and operating effective governance and assurance structures for contractual performance, compliance and risk.
- Acting as the organisational subject-matter expert on contractual obligations, providing clear guidance and support to colleagues.
- Conducting audits and reviews to ensure compliance with legislation, regulation and internal policy.
- Monitoring provider performance against KPIs, service standards and statutory requirements.
- Proactively identifying contractual and operational risks and leading corrective action plans.
- Managing key relationships with partners, providers, local authorities and internal stakeholders.
- Investigating, documenting and resolving contractual breaches and poor performance, escalating where required.
- Leading on contract variations, change control and change-in-law activities, ensuring impacts are clearly understood and formally recorded.
- Producing high-quality reports and insight for senior management, committees and the Board.
- Driving continuous improvement in contract management processes, systems and reporting.
Personal Requirements
- Experienced contract or governance professional.
- Confident working with complex contractual arrangements and multiple stakeholders.
- Possess the ability to bring strong assurance, compliance and performance management capability.
- Possess the ability to interpret contractual requirements and translate them into practical, operational oversight.
- Comfortable challenging constructively, leading without formal authority, and driving accountability and value for money.
Working Hours: 36hrs / Monday - Friday
Pay: £28.19 per hr
Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.
Contracts Manager (Operations) employer: Positive Employment
As a leading housing association in London, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that empowers our employees to make a meaningful impact. Our commitment to professional development ensures that as a Contracts Manager, you will have access to continuous growth opportunities while working on diverse projects that enhance community living. With a strong focus on governance and performance, you will play a crucial role in shaping our operational success, all within a supportive hybrid working model that values work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager (Operations)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Contracts Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its contract management practices. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around governance and performance management. Show them you’re the expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply through job boards; head over to our website and submit your application directly. This way, you’ll stand out and show that you’re genuinely interested in working with us at Positive Employment.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest and highlighting a key point from your conversation can keep you top of mind. It shows you’re proactive and keen on the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager (Operations)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Contracts Manager role. Highlight your experience with contract management frameworks and governance structures, as these are key for this position. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've managed contracts or improved performance in previous roles. We love a good story that showcases your expertise!
Showcase Your Soft Skills:This role requires strong interpersonal skills, so don’t forget to highlight your ability to work with multiple stakeholders. Talk about times when you’ve successfully navigated complex relationships or led teams without formal authority. We value collaboration and communication!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right people quickly. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Positive Employment
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the types of contracts you'll be managing. Familiarise yourself with key terms, KPIs, and SLAs relevant to the housing sector. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Governance Skills
Prepare examples of how you've established governance structures in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance and performance management, as this is crucial for the role. Use specific scenarios to illustrate your impact.
✨Demonstrate Relationship Management
Think about your experience working with various stakeholders. Be prepared to share how you've built and maintained relationships with partners, local authorities, and internal teams. Highlight your communication skills and ability to manage expectations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges, such as contractual breaches or performance issues. Practise articulating your thought process and the steps you would take to resolve these situations effectively.
