Contract Manager & Assurance Lead

Overview of Responsibilities

Who are we looking for?

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. As the Contract Manager & Assurance Lead you will be the focal point and lead for contract management governance, assurance and associated  activities across the UKAEA. You will lead on developing a contract assurance framework and levels of maturity in contract management being carried out across UKAEA against government commercial standard. You will take ownership and be accountable for contact management assurance across the organisation, providing advice and guidance throughout  UKAEA.  

What will you be responsible for?

• Identify areas for improvement in contract management processes and procedures. Implement necessary changes and strive for best practices.
• Develop and implement a contract management toolkit (including a contract management handbook and document templates).
• Set up and own contract management reporting activity for contracts across UKAEA Programmes and projects, providing regular dashboard reporting of contract performance to the business.
• Offer support and guidance to the Contract Managers with advice from the procurement team in delivering successful organisational outcomes.
• Ensuring UKAEA is compliant with UK public sector and Government Commercial Function contract management standards.
• To be the contract management champion, supporting teams in both pre- and post-contract award phases – with a key focus on gold and silver contracts.
• Champion usage of the contract management tool (CEMAR) and ensure its implementation for all Gold and high-risk silver contracts.
• Support contract management working group sessions with stakeholders across UKAEA.
• To provide advice to senior managers on contract management strategies and approaches with suppliers, via quarterly meetings.
• Helping internal stakeholders overcome challenges related to contract management.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement on contract management within UKAEA.
• Line manager of a small team, providing performance feedback, completing their APS, and supporting and advising them with their day-to-day activities.
• Be the primary contact point for other key central teams in advancing improvements in contract management across UKAEA (e.g. Portfolio Management Office, Chief Engineers Office and Learning & Development).

Qualifications

Essential Requirements:

• Working towards or currently MCIPS qualified.
• Awareness of Public Contracts Regulations (2015).
• Good strategic procurement knowledge and experience. 
• Commercially astute, customer focused & excellent interpersonal skills.
• Good negotiation skills with some understanding of NEC form of Contract.
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Be a good team player with ability to work effectively as part of the Group Procurement Team.

Desirable Requirements:

• MCIPS Qualified.
• Contract management qualification.
• Contract Management Tools expertise (eg CEMAR).
• Line management experience.