Strategic Contract Manager: Drive Value & Performance

Avanti West Coast; England; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free travel for you and dependents

Privilege Travel card (75% off fares)

30 days holiday rising to 37 days

10 free journeys on other train ops

Job summary

Avanti West Coast is seeking a Contract Manager to own a portfolio of high-value contracts, working with internal stakeholders and suppliers to maximise value, manage risk, and drive performance throughout the contract lifecycle.

You will champion best practice, monitor performance, and identify commercial opportunities while ensuring governance and compliance across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in contract management and supplier relationship management.
• Experience managing high-value, strategic contracts across their lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of SLAs, KPIs, and contract compliance.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Analytical mindset with ability to turn data into improvements.

Responsibilities

• Contract Management: Manage a portfolio of contracts, ensuring compliance with terms, SLAs and KPIs.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to improve performance.
• Performance Monitoring: Lead supplier performance reviews, monitor KPIs and address issues.
• Commercial Value and Savings: Identify opportunities for cost savings and improved contract value.
• Risk and Issue Management: Identify, assess and manage contractual risks and escalate when required.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Report on supplier and contract performance to Directors and stakeholders.
• Best Practice and Governance: Support the Contract Management Framework across the business.
• Procurement Collaboration: Work with Procurement to ensure value for money in new projects.
• Contract Administration: Maintain accurate contract documentation and records.

Skills

Contract management

Supplier relationship

Performance monitoring

Cost optimization

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Governance

Procurement collaboration

Contract administration

Job description

Avanti West Coast is seeking a Contract Manager to own a portfolio of high-value contracts, working with internal stakeholders and suppliers to maximise value, manage risk, and drive performance throughout the contract lifecycle.

You will champion best practice, monitor performance, and identify commercial opportunities while ensuring governance and compliance across the organisation.