Apply on JLP Jobs - the official careers website for John Lewis Partnership, John Lewis & Partners, and Waitrose & Partners.
About the role
The Assistant Contract Manager will support the operational business relationship with Waitrose Third Party Logistic (3PL) Provider in Milton Keynes. Acting as the operational bridge between the Contractor and Waitrose, the successful candidate will manage financial, operational, and reputational risk on behalf of Waitrose to meet business needs and assure service to branches. This is an exciting, demanding role in a busy, fast-paced environment suited to a highly motivated individual able to work to tight deadlines, build strong relationships quickly, and possess key influencing skills.
At a glance:
* Salary: £39,100.00 - £55,700.00 per annum
* Contract type: This is a secondment opportunity until February 2026
* Hours and location:
* 35 hours per week
* Contractor site-based role with some travel (4 out of 5 days at Brinklow RDC or Waitrose NDC, remaining days at home or at our Bracknell head office)
* Your home location will be Bracknell
Key responsibilities:
* Support compliance delivery through 3rd party providers
* Manage and report Contractor performance, oversee budget and capital expenditure, intervene to ensure service levels, escalate concerns, and respond appropriately
* Maintain communication between the Contractor and Waitrose Distribution, ensuring seamless operational reporting and issue resolution
* Foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, explore joint business development opportunities, challenge the status quo, and identify commercial opportunities
* Promote Partnership democracy and support CSR initiatives
* Support specific responsibilities such as B2B, branch openings/closures, HMRC compliance, network space, recycling, and food continuity plans
* Achieve contractual service levels with Contractors
* Cover for Operations Manager in 3rd Party Operations and contracts during holidays
Essential skills and experience:
* Stakeholder management and relationship building
* Distribution or retail experience
* Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
* Understanding of budget controls
* Ability to make critical decisions quickly, including out of hours
Desirable skills and experience:
* Contract management
* Commercial decision-making
* Understanding of Partnership policies
* Knowledge of WMS/TMS operations
Full-time position, 35 hours/week, typically 07:00-16:00. Rota to be discussed at interview.
The partnership
We’re the UK's largest employee-owned business, home to John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re driven to build a happier world, innovate, and serve our customers passionately. As Partners, we share ownership and responsibility, contributing to our success through kindness, respect, and embracing diversity to thrive together.
Important points:
* Pre-employment vetting may include DBS checks and financial probity checks.
* Apply promptly as roles may close early due to high application volume.
* We support flexible working arrangements; discuss options during your interview.
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