Strategic Contracts

Job DescriptionJob Title: Strategic Contracts & Policy ManagerSector: Local Authority & private sector contracts Employment Type: 6–12-month Fixed Term Contract initiallyWorking Hours: Full-time, 37 hours; Part-time also considered Reporting to: Director of OperationsLocation: West Yorkshire Job Reward: £60-70k Target Band plus excellent benefitsLocation: 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 settingLeading change controls, risk management, contract structures, performance clauses, payment and enforcement mechanisms, and structures, changes for services delivering value for moneyStrategic service contracts are delivered efficiently, on time, and within budgetHigh levels of compliance with contractual, regulatory, and statutory obligationsContinuous service improvement initiatives identified and implementedPositive, collaborative relationships with stakeholders, clients, and contractorsKey Responsibilities - Strategic Contracts & Policy Manager – Local AuthorityContract Management & ComplianceLead on the strategic management of high-value service contracts across multiple sectorsEnsure compliance with contractual obligations, KPIs, SLAs, and regulatory requirementsMonitor and report on contractor performance, taking corrective action where necessaryAdvise on contract governance, risk management, and dispute resolutionDevelop and maintain robust contract management processes and documentationFinancial & Commercial ManagementPrepare, manage, and monitor contract budgets, value for money and financial accountabilityOversee payments, invoicing, and commercial reporting to ensure alignment with contractual agreementsIdentify opportunities for cost savings, improvement, and innovation in service deliveryStakeholder & Relationship ManagementAct as the primary liaison between the organisation and contractors, suppliers, and stakeholdersEngage with public sector clients, regulators, and internal teams to maintain strong collaborative relationshipsRepresent the organisation in negotiations, meetings, and contract review forumsService Delivery & Performance ManagementDrive performance improvement across contracted services, ensuring operational delivery meets organisational objectivesDevelop performance dashboards, reports, and metrics to monitor delivery, trends, and risksSupport the integration of new services and operational processesStrategic & Organisational ContributionContribute to organisational strategy and service planning through insight from contract managementLead initiatives for continuous improvement, transformation, and innovationProvide expert advice on contractual, commercial, and operational risksKey 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 desirableExperience in strategic service contract management in the public or private sectorExperience managing high-value contracts, preferably PFI/PPP or long-term service agreements, is strongly preferredStrong knowledge of SLA/KPI frameworks, performance management, and complianceFamiliarity with commercial and legal principles governing contractsUnderstanding of public sector governance, risk, and statutory obligations is advantageousAbility to manage cross-functional teams and complex stakeholder relationshipsStrong leadership, decision-making, and negotiation skillsYour 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 AuthorityCompetitive salary and benefits package, including an exceptional pensionHybrid workingChance to make an impact on a high value high profile ContractCandidates 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.