Contracting Relationships Officer (Procurement)

Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Contracting Relationships Officer for our client, a local government organisation based in Southampton.

The successful post holder will manage a portfolio of strategic and key supplier contracts, ensuring high levels of performance, service delivery and value for money. They will work closely with internal stakeholders, procurement colleagues and suppliers to manage contractual, commercial and performance matters throughout the contract lifecycle.

This role is a temporary contract with an initial contract length of 3 months with the possibility to extend. Hybrid working.

Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Manage a portfolio of complex contract and supplier relationships to ensure contractual obligations, service standards and value for money are achieved.
• Act as a senior contract management business partner, supporting senior stakeholders to achieve strategic and service objectives.
• Lead contractual, commercial and performance management activities, identifying and mitigating risks.
• Develop and maintain Contract Management Plans, financial plans, governance arrangements and contingency plans.
• Manage contract changes, disputes and supplier performance issues, implementing improvement or remediation plans where required.
• Monitor supplier performance, review performance information and ensure compliance with contract specifications.
• Support contract mobilisation and demobilisation, protecting the organisation's service, financial and commercial interests.
• Work closely with procurement colleagues to support effective contract lifecycle management and future procurement activity.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, innovation, social value, sustainability and improved commercial outcomes.
• Monitor contractual spend and financial mechanisms, identify cost reduction opportunities and support benchmarking activity.
• Provide advice, guidance and support to improve contract management and commercial capability across the organisation.
• Manage a small Contracting Services team and ensure high standards of performance and service delivery.

Personal Requirements:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience.
• At least five years' experience in contract management, procurement or a commercial service delivery environment.
• Strong experience managing complex supplier and stakeholder relationships.
• Proven ability to manage contract performance, commercial issues, risks and contractual disputes.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify and deliver innovative, practical solutions.
• Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the ability to interpret complex information.
• Experience working in a local government or public sector environment is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise a demanding workload and build effective relationships with stakeholders.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and digital business systems.

Working Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Pay: £30.91 per hr

Please note this role is within IR35.