• Serve as the objective contract gatekeeper with the authority to withhold milestone payments, pause stage gates, apply financial service credits, or escalate contract disputes when the supplier fails to meet technical definitions of done or handover criteria.

Financial Management & Variation Governance

• Managing the contract’s operational budget, leading the commercial execution of Statements of Work (SoWs), contract indexation reviews, and formal contract variations to maintain the flexibility required for agile operational and data exchange requirements.

Communicate contractual performance & Supplier Diplomacy

• Translate complex contractual clauses, supplier performance metrics, and financial risks into clear, actionable, and trusted strategic advice for the Corporate Director and central MaPS Commercial teams.

Person specification

Essential:

• Commercial Contract Management: Significant experience in senior commercial contract management, with a proven track record of holding major technology vendors or Managed Service Providers (ISPs) to account within high-value infrastructure frameworks.
• Contractual Lever Management: Experience using performance points, and service credits to drive value for money and supplier accountability.
• Outsource to Insource Transition: Demonstrated success in managing the contractual mechanics of complex digital transitions, contract exit strategies, "knowledge extraction" protocols, and de-risking vendor lock-in.
• Financial Stewardship & Budgeting: Expertise and experience in managing large-scale operational budgets, understanding vendor cost models, and executing formal contract variations and Statements of Work (SoWs).
• Matrix Stakeholder Management: Experience operating within a matrixed agile environment, successfully partnering with technical delivery leads, legal specialists, and senior executives to protect organisational sovereignty.

Desirable:

• Experience managing complex technology or data utility contracts within central government, arm's-length bodies (ALBs), or regulated financial services/pensions sectors.
• Familiarity with public sector procurement guidelines (e.g., Public Contracts Regulations) and central government commercial standards.
• A baseline understanding of digital delivery models (Agile, SIAM, ITIL) to effectively bridge the gap between contractual text and technical reality.

About Us

The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) is based in Bedford, in a recently renovated modern office. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to become an integral part of a dynamic organisation, working to help people across the UK.

At The Heart Of The Money And Pensions Service Are Our Values – Caring, Connecting, And Transforming, Which Are The Foundation Of Our Success. They Permeate Every Area Of Our Work And Define All Our Business Relationships And The Way We Work With Each Other. We’re Not Only Looking For The Best People To Come And Work For Us, But We Need People Who Align Themselves With Our Values:

• Caring: We care about our colleagues and the people whose lives we are here to transform.
• Connecting: We will transform lives through our ability to make positive connections.
• Transforming: We are committed to transforming lives and making a positive societal impact.

Our Inclusive Working Environment

By fostering our values, we are immensely proud of the inclusive working environment that we have created. The diversity of our people is a strength that we embrace and wish to build upon, so we are committed to attracting people of all backgrounds. We work hard to ensure that we have a progressive approach to inclusion, equity, and belonging. We really do want our colleagues to “bring their whole selves to work.”

Our colleague and ally networks encompass LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, women’s health, men’s health, ethnicity, and diversity.

What We Offer

• Generous Annual Leave – 30 days plus Bank Holidays
• Pension scheme – contributions matched 2 to 1 (employer contribution up to 10% of your salary)
• Interest-free loan for season tickets for buses and trains
• Cycle to work Scheme
• Subsidised eye tests & flu jabs
• Life assurance scheme
• Give as you earn scheme
• Employee assistance programme (EAP)
• PAM Assist and PAM Life scheme (Wellbeing)
• Enhanced family and sick pay
• Paid volunteering (2 days a year)
• Recognition Scheme
• Discounts portal to numerous retailers

Flexible Working

At MaPS, we take pride in our flexible approach to work. As standard, we work on a hybrid basis with a minimum of 2 days in the office per month. Hybrid working is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and our headquarters in Bedford will be your contractual place of work. The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business needs, but personal and other relevant circumstances will also be considered. If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Recruitment Process:

• Initial Review: Our recruiter will review your CV. If it looks like a good fit, they'll reach out to arrange a call.
• Hiring Manager Review: If the recruiter thinks you're suitable, your CV will be passed to the hiring manager, who will decide whether to invite you for an interview.
• Interview: If selected, you'll participate in a virtual interview. This single-stage process allows you to demonstrate your skills and experience through competency-based questions. This will also require you to deliver a short presentation.

Career Development

In MaPS, we take career development seriously. We actively encourage and support applications from our existing MaPS colleagues. However, we do follow the Civil Service Commissioner recruitment principles, which means that you will be required to participate in a full, open, and fair process.

Reserve List

If you are successful at interview, we operate a reserve list where your details will be held for up to 6 months. Should a vacancy come available in that time with the same essential criteria, reserve list candidates will be offered that position with no further assessment required.

Application Process

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make