Senior Strategic Contract Manager
Are you looking to join an outstanding team of contract management professionals? A friendly and dedicated team who are committed to driving positive change. If you have experience of working in the public sector, of strategic contract and relationship management, and are looking for a fresh challenge in a welcoming team environment, we have the perfect opportunity for you!
The role offers the flexibility of hybrid working. The successful candidate will be office based on a Tuesday every fortnight, but also expected to visit Provider settings and meetings as and when required.
About the Role
This is a management role within the Commercial Team – People Services, focussing on the Contract Management of a wide range of ‘people’ based services. The contract management function covers a wide area of responsibility which includes contract management of providers, development of strong relationships with regulators, Health colleagues and other key stakeholder groups, management of provider failure and deputising for the Head of Service.
The Senior Strategic Contract Manager role is at the forefront of providing assurance against much of the Council's most important commercial work. Being directly responsible for the quality of delivery of essential social care and community wellbeing services which are delivered through >600 individual contracts, the post holder will act as a leader in commercial excellence for Lincolnshire County Council. Being at the heart of a fast moving, skilled and dynamic team this role offers the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of public sector commercial work as well as to help deliver vital social care services.
Reporting to the Head of Commercial – People Services, you will lead a team of Contract Managers and Contract Officers and be responsible for the delivery of an ambitious work plan. In doing so you will ensure value for money for the Council and positive outcomes for the people of Lincolnshire.
Starting on the 1st September this is a Fixed Term Contract to March 2025
About the Role
This is a management role within the Commercial Team – People Services, focussing on the Contract Management of a wide range of ‘people’ based services. The contract management function covers a wide area of responsibility which includes contract management of providers, development of strong relationships with regulators, Health colleagues and other key stakeholder groups, management of provider failure and deputising for the Head of Service.
The Senior Strategic Contract Manager role is at the forefront of providing assurance against much of the Council's most important commercial work. Being directly responsible for the quality of delivery of essential social care and community wellbeing services which are delivered through >600 individual contracts, the post holder will act as a leader in commercial excellence for Lincolnshire County Council. Being at the heart of a fast moving, skilled and dynamic team this role offers the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of public sector commercial work as well as to help deliver vital social care services.
Reporting to the Head of Commercial – People Services, you will lead a team of Contract Managers and Contract Officers and be responsible for the delivery of an ambitious work plan. In doing so you will ensure value for money for the Council and positive outcomes for the people of Lincolnshire.
Starting on the 1st September this is a Fixed Term Contract to March 2025
The role will be fulfilling from both a professional and personal perspective. It is about making a positive contribution to the community, whilst also developing your professional knowledge and skills and that of the team.
To be effective in this role you will ideally be:
- Educated to degree level
- An expert in public sector
- Experienced in social care
- A strong leader that thrives on challenge
- Experienced in strategic contract management
- Commercially minded with a good understanding of obtaining good value from contracted services
- Able to develop and maintain strong working relationships, including with Senior Leaders, and having strong negotiation skills; and
- Forward thinking and keen to embed new ways of thinking/working
In return we will offer you a unique opportunity to join a highly regarded team in a role that provides variety, challenge and an opportunity for you to impart your knowledge and expertise to drive positive change for residents throughout Lincolnshire.
About our offer
Appointment to the role will be offered at a salary of between £59,952 and £65,258 (depending on skills and experience).
Our comprehensive range of additional benefits includes:-
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, widely recognised as one of the leading contributory pension schemes on the market.
- An annual leave entitlement of 28 days (increased after 5 years’ continuous local government service), together with Bank Holidays and the option to purchase additional leave
- Varied local and national discount schemes, plus cycle to work and green car leasing initiatives
- ‘Smarter Working’ - flexible working patterns encompassing home and office-based working, and flexi-time
- Comprehensive wellbeing offer for all staff, including dedicated occupational health support
- Professional support, learning and development, with internal and external training opportunities and the payment of one professional subscription per annum where appropriate
Further details can be found in our rewards and benefits brochure
We think Lincolnshire is a fantastic place to live and work, offering everything from historic cities through scenic countryside and market towns, to miles of wide coastal beaches, For more about the many benefits of living and working in Lincolnshire, please check out Health and Social Care Careers in Lincolnshire | Be in Lincolnshire
About the Team
The Commercial Team - People Services is responsible for the procurement and contract management of over 600 Adult Care and Community Wellbeing contracts, with an extensive work programme planned for the next five years. The programme includes Adult Social Care Services, Public Health and support to Children's Services. The combined annual spend of this activity is over £300 million p.a. and the programme includes a very diverse range of Procurement, Contract Management and Market Development projects. The team is responsible for ensuring contracts are commissioned, procured, and managed in a way that ensures value for money and legal compliance; at the same time as ensuring a safe, effective and positive service is delivered to the residents of Lincolnshire.
The team offers a friendly and welcoming environment, with excellent managerial and peer support, and frequent opportunities for training and development. New starters are offered a comprehensive induction programme and mentoring opportunities are available. The team has successfully embraced the Smarter Working Policy and operates on a mixture of home- and office-based working, embracing a healthy work/life balance. The team’s nominal work location is the modern premises of Lancaster House, situated on the main County Council campus in the heart of the historic Lincoln city centre, just a stone’s throw from the renowned leisure attractions of Brayford Waterfront.
Next Steps
If you have any questions about the role or would like more information please contact Alina Hackney, Head of Commercial – People Services, via email alina.hackney@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
Closing Date: 4th June 2023
Interviews: 13th June 2023
We look forward to receiving your application!