Public Sector Contracts Manager

At the National Physical Laboratory, we set the standards by which everything is measured. In doing so, we are helping to combat issues on a global scale such as climate change, curing diseases and the development of cutting-edge communications technology

Joining our Procurement Team, the Contract Manager will provide operational ownership, influence and management throughout the life of contracts. They will own the contractual relationship between NPL and suppliers, acting as a central point of contact and source of information for operational stakeholders and end users.

What you’ll be doing:

• Developing and maintain a live Contract Management Plan (CMP) and ensure all associated trackers (risks, issues, variations, performance) are kept up to date.
• Offer exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders, to build strong links and understand cross-cutting issues, whilst contributing towards their resolution.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in all aspects of contracts.
• Develop and maintain supplier performance dashboards (Excel or Power BI), reporting monthly
• Performance management of the achievement of qualitative and quantitative standards against mutual key performance indicators and reporting KPIs on the Central Digital Platform.
• Ensuring the timeliness and accuracy of supplier data entry and returns.
• Provide advice on contract management practices, providing guidance and insights to manage and develop key supplier relationships.
• Financial management of contracts, working with Finance and Stakeholders to ensure forecasts are accurate and spend is accurate against supplier delivery.
• Ensuring contract changes are appropriately controlled and supporting stakeholders through the correct governance channels.
• Support exit and transition planning, ensuring all exit-related obligations are documented, risk-assessed, and monitored through governance.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in negotiating and managing both small and large-scale, supply contracts. This role is pivotal in ensuring that contractual agreements align with organizational objectives, mitigate risks, and foster strong supplier relationships.

What you can bring to the role:

• Proven experience in a commercial/contracts role, ideally within the public sector
• Experience drafting, negotiating, and managing complex contracts and agreements
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical mindset
• Ability to manage multiple contracts and priorities in a dynamic environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative approach
• A UK law degree or experience in a legal, commercial or contracts focused role.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

Please note:  Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward.  We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

• The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview

   

  NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

   

  At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.

   

  We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.