4 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: To lead specified contract management and quality functions, ensuring value for money and continuous quality improvement across Public Health contracts. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): Lead contract management and quality improvement strategies, ensuring compliance with statutory responsibilities, EU & national legislation, and local policies. Oversee contract reviews, monitoring, enforcement, dispute resolution, and contract variations, extensions, and novations. Address provider queries, performance issues, and contractual problems promptly, setting targets and action plans for improvements. Develop and maintain performance monitoring systems for specific contracts. Analyse data and generate performance reports to support service improvement and provider development. Support public health commissioners in procurement, tendering, and contract mobilisation processes. Manage service improvement processes, including issuing service improvement and default notices. Work with underperforming providers, ensuring service continuity during contract terminations or supplier withdrawals. Ensure service providers meet quality standards and safeguarding requirements as per contract terms and national/local regulations. Collaborate with regulatory bodies (e.g., CQC, Ofsted) and safeguarding colleagues. Produce and present financial and performance reports to inform pricing strategies and commissioning decisions. Ensure services are paid for as contracted, adhering to financial regulations and standing orders. Manage invoicing, payment systems, and follow up on accuracy and timely payment. Engage with internal and external stakeholders (e.g., legal, audit) to ensure compliance and probity. Foster partnerships with service users, stakeholders, and partners to improve commissioning decisions and service delivery. Promote collaborative and innovative ways to engage service user groups, particularly those with complex needs. Support business reporting and project planning for contract and quality monitoring. Maintain an up-to-date contract register for all public health contracts. Lead provider relationships through formal and informal communication channels. Handle user complaints, MP inquiries, and Freedom of Information requests in accordance with relevant legislation. Deputise for other Contract Managers as needed and provide guidance to the team. Uphold the Councils corporate values and objectives, supporting a positive, solution-focused, and customer-centric organizational culture. Undertake any other tasks as required by the Senior Managers, ensuring they align with the level of the role. Skills/Experience: A working knowledge and experience of Public Health legislative frameworks. Proven experience in contract management, quality improvement, and holding providers accountable. Experience with managing provider failures and working with underperforming providers to ensure minimum disruption. Understanding of project management principles for strategic commissioning and change management. Experience in contract negotiations (price, delivery, quality) across various services. Knowledge of public health, financial, and procurement legislation. Communication and Partnership Working: Experience managing difficult conversations with stakeholders and providers to resolve issues. Strong report writing and presentation skills, with an understanding of political implications. Ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with stakeholders to achieve optimal outcomes. Skills and Abilities: Strong budget management skills, identifying and supporting savings/efficiencies. Conflict resolution and negotiation skills, particularly in statutory duty care situations. Solution-focused approach with a "can-do" attitude towards complex issues. Analytical thinking with the ability to adapt systems and services based on data. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. Work to Promote Mutual Respect and Good Relations: Knowledge and understanding of the needs of minority and disadvantaged groups, ensuring their inclusion in outcomes. Sensitivity to the needs of customers and staff, with a commitment to challenging inappropriate behavior. Additional Information: Hybrid working. In-person induction requirements. Will be able to work from home up to 4 days per week if desired (minimum 1 day per week in Loxley House required). ADZN1_UKTJ