Interim Contract Manager

6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

The Interim Contract Manager will support a targeted, time-limited savings programme, focused on identifying and delivering financial efficiencies across a defined portfolio of contracts and spend areas. Working within a fast-paced environment, the postholder will lead commercial engagement with suppliers, challenge existing contractual arrangements, and drive the implementation of savings opportunities. The role requires a strong commercial mindset, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to translate data-driven insights into measurable financial outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead commercial discussions and negotiations with suppliers to secure cost reductions and maximise value for money.
  
• Review existing contracts and spend categories to identify opportunities for savings through pricing, scope, service levels, and commercial terms.
  
• Translate pre-defined data insights and analytical findings into practical actions that deliver measurable savings.
  
• Work collaboratively with service leads and key stakeholders to validate opportunities, secure agreement, and support implementation.
  
• Drive delivery of the savings workstream, ensuring momentum, accountability, and achievement of agreed objectives.
  
• Assess commercial risks and opportunities, providing recommendations that balance financial benefits with service requirements.
  
• Maintain accurate records of negotiations, decisions, savings achieved, and actions taken to ensure a clear audit trail.
  
• Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with relevant procurement regulations, policies, and governance requirements.
  
• Provide regular progress updates to programme leads and stakeholders on savings delivery and outcomes.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Significant experience working as a Contract Manager, with responsibility for supplier management and commercial negotiations.
  
• Proven track record of delivering measurable, cashable savings through contract review and supplier engagement.
  
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to quickly assess value, risk, and negotiation opportunities.
  
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and communication skills.
  
• Demonstrable experience managing relationships with senior stakeholders and suppliers.
  
• Ability to interpret data and financial information and convert insights into actionable outcomes.
  
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
  
• Experience working in fast-paced, delivery-focused environments with demanding timescales.
  
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
  

Desirable

• Public sector contract management experience.
  
• Knowledge of public sector procurement regulations and governance requirements.
  
• Experience delivering savings programmes or cost-reduction initiatives within complex organisations.
  

Additional Information

• Hours: 36 Hours Per Week
  
• Location: London Borough Of Redbridge
  
• Payment Frequency: Bi-weekly payments.
  
• 4 Days Remote, 1 Day in Office (usually Thursday's)