Contract Manager (Hybrid)

James Stevens Associates are delighted to be working with a Commercial Housing Association based in Kent that are now looking for a Strategic Contract Lead to bolster their procurement division.

The organisation are also proud to announce they have recently been awarded an accreditation from ‘The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2023’, based on their employee feedback.

• Internal Role Title: Contract & Supplier Relationship Management Strategic Lead
• Location: Dartford
• Hours: 35 hours per week
• Salary: £48,400- £60,500
• Contract: Permanent
• Format: 1 or 2 days in office per week / flexible
• Lots of Benefits: Company Video to be shared!

Main purpose of job:

To ensure that the Housing Association obtains best value from our key strategic arrangements with suppliers, supporting the delivery of high-quality services through excellent contract management. Working closely with Procurement Delivery Partners in the development of robust and appropriate contracts which provide the organisation with appropriate mechanisms to successfully manage performance. Provision of support to contract technical managers facilitating management of relationships with key external partners to ensure benefits are realised, including social value/community benefits.

Key tasks

1. Develop the organisations Contract Management Strategy, including the development of contract management plans, ensuring this is understood and implemented across the organisation.

2. Design and implement guidance for contract technical managers establishing good contract management practices, ensuring that this is adopted widely across the HA

3. Improve the management of key supplier relationships in the areas of Contract Management, Performance Management, Relationship Management and Sustainable Procurement (including Social Value), liaising with contract technical managers and other stakeholders to formulate best practice approaches across the organisation.

4. Work closely with the Head of Procurement and Procurement Delivery Partners to ensure that procurement projects incorporate appropriate contract management approaches, designed to deliver quality services for the business and its customers, alongside value for money in a way which is consistent with the business's overall strategy and values.

5. Provide direction and advice to contract technical managers in relation to the commercial, administrative and legal aspects of contract management. Support them to manage their contracts well, with consistent approaches through guidance, training and sharing of best practice.

6. Provide commercial expertise to resolve contractual issues and disputes, progressing these through the escalation process as necessary

7. Establish and chair an internal contract management forum, including customer input, sharing best practices and lessons learned, ensuring that the outcomes are fed into upcoming procurement projects

8. Undertake regular reviews of supplier performance, assessing continued financial viability and benchmarking of supplier performance for key suppliers

9. Work with suppliers and contract technical managers to maximise opportunities to share best practice, maximise opportunities for improving contract value, deliver innovative approaches and improve overall outcomes

10. Work with contract technical managers to monitor and review Key Performance Indicators, working with suppliers as necessary to review and update these over the term of a contract, using these reviews to drive continuous improvement

11. Undertake contract administrative tasks associated with contract management requirements in accordance with the Procurement Act

12. Develop collaborative working relationships with key suppliers and across key suppliers, demonstrating synergies to deliver improved overall outcomes.

13. Support and develop the implementation and ongoing use of the social value measurement tool to monitor and quantify realisation of social value commitments contained in contracts.

What we're looking for:

• A Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (minimum Level 4) or equivalent professional qualification
• Experience of contract, commercial or account management
• Excellent working knowledge of contract law and contract management processes
• Proficient at developing and implementing reporting and assessment tools for the monitoring of contract performance
• Working knowledge of public sector procurement practices
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience in developing and delivering appropriate and workable commercial levers within contracts