Assistant Contract Manager
Application Deadline: 14 June 2026
Department: Commercial
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Milton Keynes
Reporting To: Contract Manager - Commercial
Description
A little bit about us: East West Rail is a nationally significant railway project which aims to deliver much-needed transport connections for the vibrant communities between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. These communities blend beautiful landscapes and a rich cultural heritage with globally renowned centres of education, business, technology and an increasingly dynamic business scene. Together they contribute around £111 billion to the national economy each year.
Role Summary: This role will provide support to Contract Managers across defined categories and directorates within East West Rail. You will support the implementation and operation of robust processes over the commercial affairs of East West Rail and help ensure that contracts are successfully managed to deliver the expected outcomes.
As an Assistant Contract Manager, you may be called upon to support different stages of the procurement lifecycle; however the principal focus will be the management of contractual obligations, variations, supplier performance and payments.
Key Responsibilities
* Work with stakeholders to understand the needs of the business.
* Develop a good understanding of key contracts assigned, including the products/services being bought, pricing, processes, opportunities and risks.
* Support the implementation of effective contract management plans, providing support to Contract Managers as required.
* Support the production of commercial correspondence and records, and contractual notices for issue in accordance with contractual conditions.
* Support the assessment and valuation of supplier/contractor applications and processing of payment certification in accordance with processes, contractual terms and conditions and commensurate with contractual entitlement.
* Monitor and report spend, risk, performance and contract obligations through KPIs and SLAs across a portfolio of contracts using the tools and systems provided.
* Develop a good understanding of the Contract Management System and follow the processes to ensure the database is kept up to date.
* Support the administration of contract electronic communication software.
* Support engagement with internal stakeholders to build close, trusted relationships and to ensure a full understanding of expected outcomes.
* If requested by the Head of Contract Management, support Finance and their Purchase to Pay Team, providing holiday cover for the Accounts Payable Assistant.
* Support the analysis of contract data to identify opportunities to work closer with strategic suppliers, improve processes or work differently to create additional value for EWR and its stakeholders.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
* Actively progressing through a relevant professional body such as RICS.
* Relevant degree desirable, such as surveying, engineering, law, finance or MBA.
Benefits
* Competitive base salary
* Up to 12 % employer’s pension contribution
* 36 days holiday a year (including bank holidays) + up to 2 days to buy
* Life assurance
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Access to a range of benefits on the Perkbox platform
* On‑the‑spot and annual awards
* Advanced learning and development programmes
* Great work‑life balance and flexible working opportunities
* Enhanced family‑friendly policies
* Exceptional IT tools
Diversity and Inclusion
To discover the best solutions, it’s important we embrace diversity of thought. That’s why we aim to ensure our colleagues feel included, engaged and valued. Inclusiveness is not a buzzword, but a way of being. Our approach to diversity is simple – a workplace where everyone is welcome and everyone is encouraged to be themselves. It helps fuel our innovation and connects us with the customers and communities we serve.
We are open to secondments through the Rail Industry Talent Exchange Programme.
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