At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategy and governance in Contract & Supplier Management for a £6bn+ environment.
- Company: Join Smart DCC, a leader in smart meter network solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process with opportunities for ongoing learning and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact at senior leadership level and drive transformation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience with strong commercial and governance skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester
Type: PERMANENT
Connecting every home and business to a single, secure smart meter network is a huge undertaking. So you can imagine the scale – and variety – and opportunities for the people who’ll help us do it.
A rare opportunity to step into a true Senior Leadership role, acting as the conscience of the Contract & Supplier Management function at Smart DCC. This is not a delivery role — it’s about owning strategy, setting governance standards, and driving independent transformation across a £6bn+ regulated environment, with direct influence at ExCo and regulator level.
Responsibilities
- Own and lead functional strategy, driving transformation across Contract & Supplier Management to improve maturity, consistency, and performance.
- Set and uphold governance standards, ensuring robust frameworks, audit readiness, and compliance with regulatory and public‑sector expectations.
- Lead financial and resource planning, driving value‑for‑money, savings delivery, and commercial rigour across Design, Build, Run.
- Provide executive‑level insight and reporting, enabling data‑led decisions across senior leadership and ExCo.
- Influence at the highest levels, acting as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders, suppliers, and regulators (including Ofgem and DESNZ).
Qualifications
- Proven SLT‑level leadership experience, with clear ownership of strategy (not just delivery) within commercial, contract, or governance functions.
- Strong executive presence, with the ability to influence and challenge at C‑suite, ExCo, and regulator level.
- Deep experience in governance, assurance, and transformation, ideally within regulated or complex environments.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including planning, forecasting, spend governance, and savings delivery.
- A track record of driving independent change, improving standards, and embedding high‑performing ways of working.
Benefits
- Hybrid working (8 days per month in office).
- Competitive salary + performance‑related bonus.
- Pension, generous holiday allowance, and private healthcare.
- Flexible benefits tailored to your needs.
- Ongoing learning, leadership exposure, and career progression opportunities.
As a Disability Confident member, DCC is committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments, need a copy of this job advert in an alternative format, or have any other questions you’d like to ask before applying, please contact.
Head of Contract & Supplier Management - Change, Governance & Planning in Manchester employer: Smart Data Communications Company
Smart DCC is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead in a pivotal role within the Contract & Supplier Management function. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including hybrid working, generous holiday allowance, and ongoing learning opportunities, we foster a culture of inclusivity and innovation in Manchester. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment that values strategic leadership and transformation.
Contact Details:
Smart Data Communications Company Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Contract & Supplier Management - Change, Governance & Planning in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in governance and transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job alerts! Regularly check our website for new openings and apply directly. It shows initiative and keeps you ahead of the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. It’s a simple way to express your appreciation and keep your name fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Contract & Supplier Management - Change, Governance & Planning in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Contract & Supplier Management. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant governance or transformation projects you've led. We want to see how you can own strategy, not just delivery!
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 senior leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced at the highest levels and driven change in complex environments. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Financial Acumen:Since this role involves financial and resource planning, make sure to highlight your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and delivering savings. We want to see your commercial savvy come through in your application!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smart Data Communications Company
✨Know Your Strategy Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the company's strategy and how the Contract & Supplier Management function fits into it. Be ready to discuss how you would drive transformation and improve performance in this area.
✨Showcase Your Governance Knowledge
Prepare examples that demonstrate your experience with governance standards and compliance. Highlight any frameworks you've implemented or improved, and be ready to discuss how you ensure audit readiness in a regulated environment.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be prepared to talk about your experience with financial planning and resource management. Discuss specific instances where you've driven value-for-money and savings delivery, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Influence and Engage
Think about how you can showcase your ability to influence at senior levels. Prepare stories that illustrate your executive presence and how you've successfully partnered with stakeholders, suppliers, and regulators in the past.
