At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team managing high-value contracts to enhance customer experience and business value.
- Company: Join Virgin Media O₂, a top employer committed to inclusivity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy Bupa healthcare, generous holiday, and perks like discounts on broadband and mobile.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role at the heart of strategic partnerships.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
This job is with Virgin Media O₂, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
About the role
This is a senior, influential role at the heart of how Virgin Media O₂ works with its strategic customer contact partners. As Partner Contract Manager, you'll lead a small team and take ownership of a portfolio of complex, high-value contracts that underpin the delivery of sales, service and customer experience at scale. Your focus will be on ensuring our contractual frameworks deliver strong outcomes for customers, protect the business and create long-term value from our partnerships.
Working closely with colleagues across Customer Contact and the wider business, you'll oversee the full contract lifecycle, from shaping and negotiating new agreements through to governance, obligation management and performance oversight. You'll act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing clear, pragmatic insight on contractual risk and opportunity, while continually improving standards, processes and ways of working to strengthen how we partner now and in the future.
Who we are
At Virgin Media O₂, we connect people to the moments that matter most. Virgin Media leads the UK for broadband reliability, speed and overall performance, while O₂ keeps people connected on the move with award-winning coverage. We're also proud to be named one of the Financial Times Top 500 Best Employers for 2026, based on one of the UK's largest employee satisfaction surveys.
Join us and you'll be part of a team that stays curious, positive and focused on making life easier for our customers and each other. We're investing in the future of connectivity, from expanding next-generation 5G to exploring satellite-supported solutions that help reach rural communities and hard-to-connect places. You'll work with people who back good ideas and give you plenty of room to grow. So if you're looking for a place where you can feel supported, trusted and genuinely valued, you'll feel right at home here.
Our ways of working
We're a flexible-first organisation, because we know people do their best work when they have choice and clarity. To support meaningful collaboration, we ask everyone to spend at least eight days a month connecting with each other in person. That doesn't just mean time in the office - it could be team meetings, offsites, volunteering days, cross-functional projects, or away days. What matters is making those moments count - so when we come together, it benefits everyone.
Accessible, inclusive and equitable for all
We believe a better tomorrow starts with the choices we make today. That means moving the dial on diversity, building equity into everything we do and putting inclusion at the heart of our business. Virgin Media O₂ is an equal opportunities employer and we work hard to remove bias and barriers. We want every person who joins us - and everyone thinking about joining us - to feel seen, heard and supported.
When you work with us, you'll have access to our award-winning employee network groups. These communities bring people together, champion allyship and create uplifting spaces where you can learn, share and feel part of something bigger. They play a big role in helping people feel connected from day one.
Must Haves
- Significant experience in commercial contract management across the end-to-end contract lifecycle, with deep expertise in post-award contract management.
- Strong commercial acumen with proven ability to negotiate, influence and advise senior stakeholders internally and externally.
- Experience leading and developing teams within complex, matrixed organisations.
- Demonstrated ability to manage contractual risk, governance and performance to deliver value and compliance.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to clearly explain contractual positions to non-legal audiences.
Nice To Haves
- Experience managing contracts in contact centre, BPO, outsourcing or service-based operational environments.
- A recognised professional contract management qualification, such as World Commerce & Contracting.
- Experience supporting audits, assurance and regulatory or data protection compliance activity.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools, including advanced use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams.
- A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach with high emotional intelligence and resilience.
What's in it for you?
We know life isn't just about work, so our benefits are built to support you in the moments that matter. You'll get Bupa healthcare, wellbeing support, life cover, a pension and generous holiday - plus your birthday off. And there's more. Enjoy some extra perks on us, with optional electric vehicle lease and Cycle2Work schemes, dental insurance, neurodiversity assessments, and brilliant discounts on broadband, TV and mobile. You'll even get access to the Virgin Family platform and the O₂ Priority app, with exclusive rewards, experiences and chances to attend events at The O₂ and beyond.
Next Steps
If this feels like a place where you can belong, we'd love to see what you can do. Once you apply, the next steps might include a call with a recruiter, a video interview, an interview with the hiring manager and a task or assessment. We'll also ask about any adjustments you might need, and we'll do our best to make them happen. We review applications and interview throughout the advert window, so it's worth applying sooner rather than later. If you're offered the role, the offer will be subject to background checks, including a criminal record check and, for some roles, a financial background check.
Partner Contract Manager 13 month Secondment - Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds employer: Virgin Media O₂
At Virgin Media O₂, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer that values diversity and fosters a supportive work environment. As a Partner Contract Manager, you'll not only lead a dynamic team in a pivotal role but also benefit from our flexible-first culture, extensive employee support networks, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare, generous holiday, and unique perks. Join us in Manchester, Sheffield, or Leeds, where your contributions will be recognised and your professional growth encouraged in a company committed to making meaningful connections.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Partner Contract Manager 13 month Secondment - Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds
✨Dive Into Corporate Strategy Communities
Get yourself involved in online communities or forums focused on corporate strategy. Places like LinkedIn groups or specific Slack channels can hook you up with industry insights, trends, and many potential job leads. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask questions; it’ll boost your visibility!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy conferences or networking events in your area (or online!). These gatherings are gold mines for meeting hiring managers and making impactful connections. Plus, having a few good conversations can lead to job referrals at companies like Virgin Media O₂!
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Partner Contract Manager 13 month Secondment - Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds position at Virgin Media O₂ via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Partner Contract Manager 13 month Secondment - Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at Virgin Media O₂.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to Virgin Media O₂’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Media O₂
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to Virgin Media O₂. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at Virgin Media O₂. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to Virgin Media O₂.
