Operational Contract Management Lead (Synergy Programme)

Synergy Programme; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A department in the Civil Service seeks an individual to lead the contractual relationships with suppliers in the Synergy Programme. This role involves managing contracts, ensuring stakeholder engagement, and overseeing financial management, impacting almost a quarter of a million public servants. The ideal candidate should have robust contract management experience, strong communication, and proven leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing contracts and supplier relationships.
• Proven ability to lead teams and projects effectively.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the contractual relationship with suppliers.
• Ensure effective management of contracts and relationships.
• Oversee financial management of contracts.

Skills

Contract management

Stakeholder engagement

Financial management

Communication skills

Leadership

Job description

Do you want to be part of an energetic, innovative team and bring your skills to one of the biggest changes to the administration of the Civil Service in decades? We're looking for people who are flexible, intuitive and are comfortable taking high levels of volume, speed and complexity in their stride. An exciting new role is available in the Synergy Programme, a cross-departmental group formed in response to Government Business Service's request for individual departments to group together in 'clusters' to drive efficiencies, increase buying power and improve the quality of shared service to our end users - our people. The Synergy Programme is the largest of five departmental clusters, comprising the Ministry of Justice, Department for Work and Pensions, Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Home Office. The Department for Work and Pensions hosts the Synergy Programme. Your work will impact Shared Services arrangements and support almost a quarter of a million officials and public servants across the four departments and arm's length bodies who deliver some of the most vital public services in our country. The success of the programme is crucial, as Civil Servants rely on shared services to provide business critical tools in human resources, finance, payroll and procurement. It affects everything we do, from joining a department as a new starter, the way we claim for expenses, how we buy goods and services such as our laptops and canteen provisions, to the way we receive our pensions when we retire. Most importantly, we're looking for applications from people who can also demonstrate a passion for our core ambition - delivering a once in a generation, transformed service that Civil Servants will use as a result of the Synergy Programme. Whilst no 2 days will be the same, your duties will include:

• Leading and owning the contractual relationship between Synergy and Suppliers focusing on Business Process Services
• Leading by example in managing and maintaining excellent relationships with suppliers and stakeholders
• Providing expert advice and guidance on contractual and performance matters
• Leading, motivating and directing a professional team to ensure engagement with suppliers and other stakeholders leads to effective management of contracts.
• Working with commercial colleagues to ensure innovation on the contracts and ensuring value for money.
• Retaining overall responsibility for financial management of contracts, working with the Programmes Finance Business Partner to ensure accurate and robust forecasts.
• As and when required, leading and managing specific high risk and value projects, such as major contract changes or contract extensions.
• Be an effective communicator who effectively manages risks and change.
• Provide leadership and representation at key governance forums, including monthly service reviews, quarterly commercial boards, and biannual exit readiness reviews. Oversee the maintenance of contract documentation and performance evidence in a structured SharePoint repository to ensure audit readiness.
• Work closely with commercial, Supplier Relationship Management, Finance, PMO, and Legal functions to ensure end-to-end contract delivery, assurance, and value for money.

Disability Confident

Disability Confident

About Disability Confident A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to .