Strategic Contracts Manager

South East Water; Snodland; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water services provider in Snodland is seeking a Contracts Manager to ensure optimal performance and compliance across high-value operational contracts, especially in Repair and Maintenance. The ideal candidate will manage contract governance, require NEC4 expertise, and will lead a dedicated team. Excellent benefits include a stakeholder pension, generous holiday allowance, and wellbeing support.

Benefits

Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution

5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible annual leave policy

Paid volunteering days

Cycle to work scheme

Health cash plan

Life assurance

Wellbeing related benefits

Qualifications

• Deep NEC4 contract experience or knowledge required.
• Ability to produce effective data-driven reports.
• Experience in managing high-value operational contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead contracting strategy and assist in sourcing operational contracts.
• Provide contractual support to operational managers and commercial teams.
• Manage corporate risks related to non-compliance.

Skills

NEC4 Accreditation or Certification

Expert knowledge of the NEC suite of contracts

Proven ability in governance and administration

Strong analytical skills

Advanced skills in influencing and collaborating

Ability to manage contractual adherence

A full, clean driving licence

Job description

Summary

Are you an expert in managing high-value contracts and driving operational efficiency through data? Do you want to lead the strategic oversight and governance of high-value, operational contracts, ensuring optimal performance and compliance?

This is a critical leadership opportunity for an experienced professional ready to step up and guarantee contractual assurance across key operations, with a primary focus on our Repair and Maintenance (R&M) Contract. We need someone who can provide expert strategic oversight to guarantee all activities are underpinned by robust processes and adherence to agreed plans. This role is vital for ensuring we obtain optimal performance from all our external contractors.

You’ll be instrumental in implementing standardised governance, risk reviews, and contract alignment, specifically guaranteeing our compliance with legislation and industry standards. You will also support the contractual governance of our Developer Services, Mains Laying, and all Water Supply contracts.

Located in Snodland, you’ll be reporting to the Head of Network Repair and Maintenance, leading a team that includes an Operational Contract Support Manager and managing the Operational Control Hub team.

The position requires deep NEC4 contract experience or knowledge. You’ll be working alongside the Commercial Manager, Senior Works Delivery Manager, and Highways Manager. This is a chance to step into a pivotal role, managing essential contracts that ensure company stability. If this role aligns with your skills and experience, apply today!

Main responsibilities

• Take a lead role in setting contracting strategy, writing appropriate contracts, and assisting the Procurement team in the sourcing of operational contracts.
• Provide contractual support and expert advice to operational Managers and the Commercial team running contract arrangements day-to-day.
• Manage contract and corporate risks related to non-compliance, and ensure adherence to all relevant standards and laws.
• Undertake internal and external audits to ensure contract compliance and adherence to governance procedures are maintained.
• Continually review all operational contract KPIs and performance to maximise effective delivery and contract value.
• Provide strategic governance and oversight to the Operational Control Hub team, reviewing operating systems and ensuring effective performance against KPIs.
• Ensure contract administration is correctly and rigorously undertaken on all supported contracts (R&M, Developer Services, Mains Laying).

What you'll need

• NEC4 Accreditation or Certification (or demonstrable knowledge of the NEC suite of contracts).
• Expert knowledge of the NEC suite of contracts, applying this expertise to advise delivery teams and ensure robust contract governance.
• Proven ability in the governance and administration of high-value, operational contracts, with a focus on mitigating legal and performance risks.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to produce effective, data-driven reports to demonstrate operational efficiency improvements to senior management.
• Advanced skills in influencing and collaborating with internal stakeholders (e.g., Commercial, Asset Management, Regional Operations) and external partners (Contractors and Highways Authorities).
• Ability to manage and assure adherence to contractual terms and effectively mitigate legal and performance risk across complex operational contracts.
• A full, clean driving licence.

We want to be the water company people want to be supplied by and want to work for.

We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That's why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.

Benefits package

• Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
• Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
• Paid volunteering days.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Health cash plan.
• Life assurance.
• Wellbeing related benefits.

What can you expect from your recruitment

• To apply for this position, please submit your CV on our career's website.
• It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water.
• Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks.

South East Water kindly asks that recruitment agencies refrain from submitting CVs to our employees or associates without explicit invitation from our HR Resourcing team. CVs sent on a speculative basis will not be acknowledged and will not assume any responsibility for fees or commissions in the event that we hire a candidate who applied directly or subsequently introduced by an instructed agency.

Compensation package

Up to GBP55,000