Senior Contracts & Change Manager – Shared Services

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA); Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DEFRA seeks a Contract and Change Manager to support the Head of Contracts, Change and Improvements in managing shared services contracts across Defra Group. You will lead contract governance, supplier engagement, and change management, coordinating RFCs, audits and governance across organisational boundaries.

You will provide expert advice on contractual matters, manage risks and dependencies, and help align business requirements with strategic priorities and transformation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in contract management within complex organisations.
• Deep knowledge of contract governance, RFC processes and supplier management.
• Proven ability to coordinate cross-functional governance and strategic changes.

Responsibilities

• Uphold and enhance contract management across shared services agreements with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Lead management of contractual change, coordinating RFC processes and ensuring alignment to business needs.
• Utilise governance and supplier management principles to support decision-making in a multi-customer environment.
• Coordinate contract audit and assurance activities and oversee actions arising from findings.
• Collaborate with Group Corporate Services, Defra ALBs and process owners to reflect evolving requirements in contracts.
• Provide expert guidance on contractual and governance issues, and manage risks and opportunities from policy shifts.

Skills

Contract management

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Change management

Governance

Supplier relationship management

Risk management

Leadership

Job description

DEFRA seeks a Contract and Change Manager to support the Head of Contracts, Change and Improvements in managing shared services contracts across Defra Group. You will lead contract governance, supplier engagement, and change management, coordinating RFCs, audits and governance across organisational boundaries.

You will provide expert advice on contractual matters, manage risks and dependencies, and help align business requirements with strategic priorities and transformation initiatives.