What's involved with this role: Location: Reading - hybrid, 1 day per week in the office. Visit to the London office approx. once per month. A Contract Manager is sought to provide critical support in policy, drafting contracts, and developing terms and conditions. Key responsibilities include implementing Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) frameworks for key suppliers, aiming to mitigate risks, enhance performance, and maximise value. The role involves developing and executing strategies to minimise supplier-related risks while optimising value extraction. Candidates must possess expertise in commercial contract drafting, negotiation, and management, including experience in creating and utilising a contract management playbook. Proficiency in drafting and negotiating terms and conditions, particularly in the context of NEC3 and NEC4 contracts, is essential. This role demands a strong foundation in contract law and strategic supplier management. Key accountabilities: Build and maintain a motivated, skilled contract management team. Provide expert advice on assigned contracts to enable effective delivery of objectives. Ensure robust plans with defined procedures for delivery performance, invoice applications, risk management, and reviews. Deliver contracts in line with business systems and conduct audits for compliance with government regulations and legislation. Work closely with stakeholders and the SCM Leadership Team to align business needs with best contract practices, influencing decisions to satisfy the Organisation’s Board and HMG requirements. Implement SRM frameworks for key suppliers to manage risks, improve performance, and extract maximum value. Develop and execute strategies to minimise risks and maximise value from key suppliers. Provide best-practice advice on developing contract templates and bespoke terms. Ensure contracts are value for money with clear ownership to monitor performance against KPIs and obligations. Collaborate with the sourcing team for pre-award negotiations, enhance contracting models, and support supplier selection. Lead negotiations, apply diplomacy to reduce risks, and develop litigation strategies when necessary. Build trusted supplier alliances, drive innovation/efficiency, and enhance systems for intelligence and relationships. Key Experience & Knowledge: Expertise in Public Procurement Policy Commercial contract drafting and negotiation Drafting and amending T&Cs Collaboration with Legal teams Contract management and playbooks NEC3/NEC4 contracts Non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements (drafting and negotiation). Please quote the Job Title & Vacancy Reference No. in your application, or we will be unable to match your CV to the role being applied for. Security Clearance: SC highly desirable; candidates with active SC clearance will be fast-tracked Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a more accessible way for us to communicate, please do let us know. If you consider yourself to have a disability or if you are a veteran, and you meet the essential criteria for the role, you will be put forward for the ‘Guaranteed Interview’ scheme whereby you will have the opportunity to discuss this role and your suitability with a member of the Sourcing team. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we provide the best talent and encourage all applications regardless of background, in line with our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion. "XI ALD Please note that clients invariably ask us to strip out contact details from CVs before we submit them for consideration. This is always quicker and easier to do if you send your CV to us in Word format, rather than as a PDF please.