Contract Manager (Operations)

Job Title: Contract Manager (Operations) - Interim

Location: London
Rate: £27.95 per hour (PAYE) / £36.59 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract Type: Interim

About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced Contract Manager (Operations) to bring operational contract management expertise to a role where you can make a real impact. You will ensure contractual commitments are translated into day-to-day delivery, focusing on driving performance, ensuring compliance, and delivering high-quality services across a live housing portfolio.

You will lead the development and ongoing management of a robust contract management framework. This role ensures contractual arrangements are effectively governed, performance-driven, and aligned with strategic objectives to mitigate contractual, financial, legal, and reputational risks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive contract management framework covering leases, management agreements, SLAs, and related contracts.
• Establish and operate effective governance and assurance structures for contractual performance, compliance, and risk.
• Act as the subject-matter expert on contractual obligations, providing clear guidance and support to colleagues.
• Conduct audits and reviews to ensure compliance with legislation, regulation, and internal policy.
• Monitor provider performance against KPIs, service standards, and statutory requirements.
• Proactively identify contractual and operational risks and lead corrective action plans.
• Manage key relationships with partners, providers, local authorities, and internal stakeholders.
• Investigate, document, and resolve contractual breaches and poor performance, escalating where required.
• Lead on contract variations, change control, and change-in-law activities.
• Produce high-quality reports and insights for senior management, committees, and the Board.
• Drive continuous improvement in contract management processes, systems, and reporting.

Requirements:

• Experience as a contract or governance professional, comfortable working with complex contractual arrangements and multiple stakeholders.
• Strong assurance, compliance, and performance management capabilities.
• Ability to interpret contractual requirements and translate them into practical, operational oversight.
• Credible, analytical, and influential, with the ability to challenge constructively and drive accountability and value for money.
• Experience in housing, student accommodation, healthcare, or other service-led sectors is valuable, but transferable operational management skills are equally welcome.

If this sounds suitable for you, or someone you know, please send an updated copy of your CV to Sean Cloherty at Elevate Projects so we can discuss further.