* 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.
* Ensure that contracts are delivered to agreed service standards, financial targets, and compliance requirements, while driving innovation, efficiency, and value for money.
* 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.
* Have a proven record of managing large, complex service areas, leading multidisciplinary teams, and delivering major organisational change, ideally within a local authority setting.
* Lead change controls, risk management, contract structures, performance clauses, payment and enforcement mechanisms, and structures, changes for services delivering value for money.
* Deliver strategic service contracts efficiently, on time, and within budget.
* Maintain high levels of compliance with contractual, regulatory, and statutory obligations.
* Identify and implement continuous service improvement initiatives.
* Build 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?
* 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 this role.
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