Job Introduction

This is a key leadership role within the Commercial Team, responsible for strengthening the Combined Authority’s contract management capability and ensuring effective delivery of high-value programmes and services. The postholder will lead the design and implementation of a consistent, professional approach to contract and supplier management across the organisation, supporting delivery of the Contract Management Improvement Programme.

Reporting to the Head of Commercial, the Senior Contract Manager will:

Lead the development and delivery of the Authority’s Contract Management Strategy, ensuring all major contracts deliver against agreed cost, quality, risk, and value objectives.
Build and manage a team of Contract Managers responsible for oversight of strategic contracts, providing expert guidance, challenge, and assurance.
Establish and maintain the Contract Management Centre of Excellence (CMCoE) to embed best practice, promote consistency, and build organisational capability.
Implement tools, templates, and performance frameworks that improve visibility of supplier performance, risk, and opportunities for value creation.
Drive continuous improvement through analysis of contract performance data, supplier engagement, and lessons learned.

Work collaboratively with project leads, directors, and business teams to ensure contract management is embedded throughout the commercial lifecycle and supports the Combined Authority’s wider strategic outcomes.

Lead the implementation of the Contract Management Improvement Programme, setting and maintaining standards for contract management across all strategic contracts within the Mayoral Combined Authority.
Establish and embed a Contract Management Centre of Excellence (CMCoE), building capability, sharing best practice, and driving continuous improvement across all business areas.
Lead the development and continuous improvement of post-award contract management processes, including performance reviews, risk registers, change control and KPI tracking.
Work closely with project and finance teams to monitor supplier performance, manage variations, and ensure robust commercial controls throughout delivery.
Support directorates to manage their contracts effectively and consistently through training, mentoring, and the use of standard tools, templates, and performance frameworks.
Provide robust governance, challenge, and assurance, ensuring compliance with Contract Standing Orders, internal policies, and public procurement regulations.
Lead the mobilisation of strategic contracts, ensuring that effective contract management plans, performance frameworks, and risk mitigation measures are in place from the outset.
Monitor and review contract performance data, working proactively with contract managers to address underperformance and realise opportunities for improved outcomes and value for money.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have an informal conversation with the hiring manager, please contact Eliot Williams, Head of Commercial, Eliot.Williams@WestofEngland-CA.gov.uk

The interviews are planned to be held end of March 2026. Please note this may be subject to change.

The selection process is likely to be a two stage interview process.

The closing date for this role is Thursday 12th March 2025.

About the Company

Our Offer

Alongside the opportunity to lead change, drive strategic initiatives, and make a real difference in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous or reckonable service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
1 day of paid leave each year to volunteer
Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 15.3%
Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England

The West of England is an amazing part of the world to live and work. We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.

The salary for this role is £63,685 - £69,665. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

Good Employment Charter
As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.

Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.

From a recruitment agency? We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees. 

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