Contract Manager

AWD online; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 40,962 - 50,065; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid options

Civil Service Pension 28.97%

Generous annual leave

Public holidays

Volunteer days

Learning & development

Job summary

AWD online in Plymouth, Devon is seeking an experienced Contract Manager to oversee ICT supplier contracts, drive value for money and ensure delivery against KPIs and SLAs. You will lead supplier relationships, manage risk, and champion continuous improvement within a major transformation program.

The role requires strong leadership, stakeholder engagement and a track record in contract lifecycle management.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead, coach and mentor junior colleagues.
• Experience establishing supplier relationships and delivering organisational value.
• Proven track record managing full contract lifecycle in BAU and projects.
• Experience resolving issues and driving improvements with escalation responsibilities.
• Strong risk, change management and strategic influence on delivery.
• Ability to develop service requirements and propose practical supplier options.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including translating technical jargon.
• Able to engage senior stakeholders under time pressure.
• Sound understanding of budgeting and accounting.

Responsibilities

• Manage contracts across BAU and project scenarios including changes and compliance.
• Build and execute supplier relationship strategies aligned with business goals.
• Monitor KPIs, SLAs and service quality to maximise value.
• Resolve service issues and escalate where needed.
• Identify risks and ensure contractual/regulatory compliance.
• Drive continuous improvements based on performance and market opportunities.
• Engage stakeholders and translate technical concepts for leadership.
• Provide leadership, coaching and resource support to juniors.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Supplier relationships

Contract lifecycle

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

Gov Commercial Contract Mgmt Foundation

CIPS membership

ITIL Foundation

Agile/PM certification

Job description

Contract Manager

An excellent opportunity for an experienced contract and supplier management professional to manage ICT suppliers, commercial performance, service delivery, risk and continuous improvement within a major transformation environment.

We’re also interested in candidates with experience as Supplier Relationship Manager, Supplier Manager, Commercial Manager, Procurement Manager, Vendor Manager, Contract and Supplier Manager, Supplier Performance Manager, Commercial Contract Manager, IT Contract Manager, Contract Management Specialist.

SALARY: £45,514 per annum + Generous Benefits (see below)

LOCATION: Plymouth, Devon, South West England

JOB TYPE: Full‑Time, Permanent (Part‑Time Hours will also be considered)

WORKING HOURS: Flexible Working Hours (Minimum of 30 hours per week)

JOB OVERVIEW

We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Contract Manager with proven supplier relationship, contract lifecycle and commercial management experience. As a Contract Manager you will manage a portfolio of ICT suppliers and contracts, ensuring value for money, quality services and delivery against KPIs, SLAs and contractual commitments. The role involves building strategic supplier partnerships, resolving issues, managing risk, and supporting business and transformation objectives through effective stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement.

DUTIES

• Contract Lifecycle Management: Manage contracts across business‑as‑usual and project scenarios, including change, service requirements, compliance and contractual commitments
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build strong supplier partnerships and develop strategies aligned with business and transformation objectives
• Performance and Value: Monitor KPIs, SLAs, service quality and commercial outcomes to maximise value for money and strategic benefits
• Issue Resolution and Escalation: Resolve service issues, evaluate practical alternatives and act as an escalation point where required
• Risk and Compliance: Identify, manage and escape risks and issues while supporting contractual and organisational compliance requirements
• Continuous Improvement: Drive supplier and service improvements by assessing performance, market opportunities and changing business needs
• Stakeholder Engagement: Work constructively with senior stakeholders, translating technical jargon and representing organisational interests
• Team Leadership: Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring and resourcing support to junior colleagues

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

ESSENTIAL

• Proven experience leading, coaching and mentoring junior colleagues
• Strong experience establishing supplier relationships and delivering organisational value
• Proven experience managing the full contract lifecycle in business‑as‑usual and project environments
• Experience resolving issues, delivering improvements and acting as an escalation point
• Strong risk, issue and change management capability with an understanding of strategic influence on operational delivery
• Able to develop service requirements and propose practical supplier management alternatives
• Effective and influential written and verbal communication, including translating technical jargon
• Able to engage senior stakeholders constructively and work logically under time pressure
• Sound understanding of financial budgeting and accounting

DESIRABLE

• Government Commercial Contract Management Foundation level accreditation
• CIPS membership through qualification or working towards
• ITIL Service Management Foundation Certificate
• Agile or Project Management qualification

BENEFITS

• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• Generous annual leave entitlements – 28.5 days paid holiday per year (pro‑rata for part‑time staff)
• All UK public bank holidays (normally 8 days per year)
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Support with accreditation to professional bodies
• Access to LR Leisure, sports and social club
• Discounts at a wide range of high‑street and online retailers
• Up to three paid volunteering days a year
• Learning and development opportunities

CLOSING DATE: 11:55 pm Sunday 26th July 2026

JOB REF: AWDO-P14927