Contracts Manager

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Role Profile

Lead, motivate and engage with the Building Surveyors and Project Surveyors to ensure the delivery of a high-quality service, developing and implementing operational objectives, including key performance indicators and an effective communication strategy, to underpin the Homes Strategy including delivery of the required programme of works for an allocated number of Group residential properties of all tenures (excluding C&S properties).

Develop, implement, and monitor the approach to contract management including associated policies, procedures and guidance, considering industry best practice and commercial requirements, proactively adopting new and innovative ideas and solutions to ensure continuous improvement of the service.

Lead the scoping, specifying, mobilisation and implementation of an allocated number of new contracts, in conjunction with procurement colleagues, including assessing the competence of potential suppliers throughout the procurement process and acting as decision maker in terms of successful appointments, ensuring robust contract management arrangements are in place to effectively deliver the Asset Management Strategy.

Undertake a review of existing contracted services, driving innovation and seeking out efficiencies and cost reduction opportunities, maintaining this approach on an ongoing basis with contractors over the contract lifecycle, identifying, implementing and monitoring improvement targets as appropriate.

Monitor and report on contracts, developing and implementing the appropriate performance framework for each contract, including service level agreements and key performance indicators, leading contract and performance review meetings and dealing with underperformance, including escalation of issues as appropriate.

Ensure the integrity and quality of data retained in relation to service charge contracts, to ensure compliance with procurement protocols and to enable cyclical and ad hoc analysis to be carried out and relevant reporting as required.

Carry out cyclical and ad hoc analysis of contract data, producing associated reports including findings and recommendations for key stakeholders as required.

Oversee the development, implementation and review of effective business procedures to support the contract management service, contributing to and influencing Group policies as appropriate.

Provide a consultative service to management colleagues, including the Head of Asset Strategy & Delivery on sensitive and complex Asset Management contractual matters.

Manage internal and external stakeholders effectively, including Procurement colleagues, Building Safety colleagues, Home Ownership and Housing Management colleagues and external suppliers, building constructive working relationships to deliver an effective contract management service on behalf of the Group.

Develop and review relevant budgets, ensuring contract expenditure is robustly managed in line with the Group’s financial controls.

Monitor payment transactions to ensure compliance with the purchasing system and associated processes, addressing and resolving issues as appropriate.

Manage the performance and development of the Building Surveyors and Project Surveyors, providing expertise, coaching and other developmental support as required, ensuring a quality service is provided and underperformance is dealt with appropriately.

Conduct regular reviews of the Contract Management service, collaborating with and seeking feedback from internal and external stakeholders, to identify efficiencies and continually improve the service provision. Improvement opportunities identified and realised should be in accordance with change management protocols.

Work collaboratively with the leadership team to ensure effective delivery of the wider service.

Ensure that all data protection requirements are met in accordance with the Group’s policy, procedures and statutory requirements.

Ensure that health and safety requirements are met in accordance with the Group’s policy, procedures and statutory requirements.

Other Duties

• Line Management of the Delivery team, including the team administrator and Customer liaison officer
• Provide technical assistance, where required, to Development colleagues to ensure standards and specifications are aligned with investment standards.
• Deliver the stock condition surveying programme for the region using in-house surveyors to meet the department commitment.

Person specification

Essential

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Proven track record of successful contract implementation and management for a large and diverse portfolio of mixed tenure properties.
• In-depth knowledge of contract formation and contract types.
• Comprehensive knowledge of general operating procedures within an Asset Management function.
• In-depth knowledge of building regulations.
• Proven track record of using Project Management methodologies.
• Experience of successfully leading, managing and motivating teams, including managing team performance.
• Effective stakeholder management, both internally and external to the organisation, including the ability to successfully persuade and influence others.
• Results driven with strong analytical skills, including the ability to critically analyse complex information, and experience of providing meaningful management information.
• Commercially aware with a focus on continuous improvement and the ability to drive change.
• Customer focused with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to work at all levels within the business.
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to work under pressure, deliver to strict deadlines and manage conflicting priorities.
• Evidence of using sound judgement when making effective decisions.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office.
• Degree qualification in a relevant subject, or equivalent.
• Member of a professional body e.g. Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), or equivalent.

About Us

Riverside is one of the UK’s leading not-for-profit social housing and regeneration organisations, owning or managing around 75,000 homes from Irvine to Kent. We are a leading provider of supported housing services, particularly for those affected by homelessness, and our track record of transforming lives and revitalising neighbourhoods dates back over 90 years. We have plans to build over 15,000 affordable homes over the next decade.

Our Values and Behaviours

Creating an Inclusive Environment