Job Title: Strategic Contracts & Policy Manager
Sector: Local Authority & private sector contracts
Employment Type: 6-12-month Fixed Term Contract initially
Working Hours: Full-time, 37 hours; Part-time also considered
Reporting to: Director of Operations
Location: West Yorkshire
Job Reward: £60-70k Target Band plus excellent benefits
Location: Flexible / Office and on-site across the West Yorkshire Region
Are you an experienced Contracts & Policy Professional? Looking to lead high-value, complex service contracts? Across public and private sectors?
The Strategic Policy & Contracts Manager will be responsible for leading the management, oversight, and continuous improvement of high-value, complex service contracts across both the public and private sectors.
The role will ensure that contracts are delivered to agreed service standards, financial targets, and compliance requirements, while driving innovation, efficiency, and value for money.
You will act as the lead commercial advisor for strategic service contracts, supporting senior management in shaping and delivering operational strategy, stakeholder engagement, and continuous service improvement.
You will have a proven record of managing large, complex service areas, leading multidisciplinary teams, and delivering major organisational change, ideally within a local authority setting
Leading change controls, risk management, contract structures, performance clauses, payment and enforcement mechanisms, and structures, changes for services delivering value for money
Strategic service contracts are delivered efficiently, on time, and within budget
High levels of compliance with contractual, regulatory, and statutory obligations
Continuous service improvement initiatives identified and implemented
Positive, collaborative relationships with stakeholders, clients, and contractors
Key Responsibilities - Strategic Contracts & Policy Manager - Local Authority
Contract Management & Compliance
Lead on the strategic management of high-value service contracts across multiple sectors
Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, KPIs, SLAs, and regulatory requirements
Monitor and report on contractor performance, taking corrective action where necessary
Advise on contract governance, risk management, and dispute resolution
Develop and maintain robust contract management processes and documentation
Financial & Commercial Management
Prepare, manage, and monitor contract budgets, value for money and financial accountability
Oversee payments, invoicing, and commercial reporting to ensure alignment with contractual agreements
Identify opportunities for cost savings, improvement, and innovation in service delivery
Stakeholder & Relationship Management
Act as the primary liaison between the organisation and contractors, suppliers, and stakeholders
Engage with public sector clients, regulators, and internal teams to maintain strong collaborative relationships
Represent the organisation in negotiations, meetings, and contract review forums
Service Delivery & Performance Management
Drive performance improvement across contracted services, ensuring operational delivery meets organisational objectives
Develop performance dashboards, reports, and metrics to monitor delivery, trends, and risks
Support the integration of new services and operational processes
Strategic & Organisational Contribution
Contribute to organisational strategy and service planning through insight from contract management
Lead initiatives for continuous improvement, transformation, and innovation
Provide expert advice on contractual, commercial, and operational risks
Key Requirements - Strategic Contracts & Policy Manager - Local Authority
Experience in related sectors that involve Large-scale service delivery, High-value contract management, Compliance and regulation, public-facing operational services, multi-agency or political environments, such as transport, Utilities, Highways, Education, social care, Infrastructure, etc.
A professional qualification in Contract Management, Project Management (APM), or Procurement is desirable
Experience in strategic service contract management in the public or private sector
Experience managing high-value contracts, preferably PFI/PPP or long-term service agreements, is strongly preferred
Strong knowledge of SLA/KPI frameworks, performance management, and compliance
Familiarity with commercial and legal principles governing contracts
Understanding of public sector governance, risk, and statutory obligations is advantageous
Ability to manage cross-functional teams and complex stakeholder relationships
Strong leadership, decision-making, and negotiation skills
Your experience in reviewing processes, driving efficiency, and embedding continuous improvement aligns perfectly with the expectations of overseeing a modern, high-performance local authority contract.
What's on Offer? Strategic Contracts & Policy Manager - Local Authority
Competitive salary and benefits package, including an exceptional pension
Hybrid working
Chance to make an impact on a high value high profile Contract
Candidates with experience as a Contracts Manager, Strategy Manager, Contract Services Manager, Environmental Services Contracts Manager, Public Realm Contracts Manager, Municipal Services Manager, PFI / PPP Contracts Manager, Infrastructure Contracts Manager, Civil Engineering Contract Manager, Public Infrastructure Service Policy Manager, Utilities Contracts Service Delivery Manager, Environmental Services Manager, Contracts Performance Manager, Framework Manager, will also be suitable for thios role.
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