Senior Contracts Manager - #2099697

Are you an experienced Contracts Manager with a keen eye for detail and a passion for ensuring contractual accuracy?

Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where you can play a key role in managing commercial risk and supporting strategic supplier relationships?

If so, consider joining us as a Contracts Manager at Reed in Partnership in our Liverpool office.

Reporting to the Finance Director, this role provides essential support to the Supply Chain Management Team (SCMT) and is responsible for managing the production, administration, and lifecycle of contracts across our supply chain network. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring contractual agreements accurately reflect commercial arrangements, customer requirements, and risk allocation, while supporting the successful mobilisation, management, and close-down of supplier relationships.

Who We Are

Reed in Partnership delivers public services that positively transform lives. Our Supply Chain Management Team manages relationships with partners and subcontractors across our programmes, ensuring high standards of service delivery, compliance, and value for money.

Our values—Fair, Open & Honest; Take Ownership; Work Together—are at the heart of everything we do.

Key Responsibilities

Taking Ownership (Contract Management & Governance)

• Produce and manage all contractual documentation relating to the mobilisation, management, and close-down of suppliers within the supply chain network
• Draft, coordinate, and manage Heads of Agreement and formal contract documentation
• Produce robust back-to-back contracts that accurately reflect customer outcomes, terms and conditions, and commercial requirements
• Ensure the effective flow-down of commercial and financial risks to supply chain partners and subcontractors
• Act as the gatekeeper for all contract production, administration, approval, and finalisation processes
• Coordinate contract execution and obtain all necessary approvals and signatures
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date contractual records and documentation
• Manage contractual variations, amendments, and changes throughout the contract lifecycle
• Respond promptly to notifications of contract breaches, disputes, and termination requests

Working Together (Stakeholder Engagement)

• Support the Supply Chain Management Team by translating negotiated commercial arrangements into contractual documentation
• Liaise closely with colleagues engaging with suppliers, partners, and subcontractors
• Provide contractual support to the Finance Director for other purchased services as required
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Provide clear communication and guidance throughout the contract development and approval process

Ensuring Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure contractual documentation accurately reflects complex and varied contractual arrangements
• Protect organisational interests through effective contract drafting and administration
• Monitor compliance with agreed contractual obligations and requirements
• Support robust governance and risk management across the supply chain
• Promote accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail across all contractual documentation

What's in it for You?

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays
• Reed Pension Scheme
• Award-winning Management & Leadership training
• Professional & Personal Development Fund
• Bi-annual pay reviews
• Opportunity to work within a collaborative and supportive environment
• Exposure to complex commercial contracts and strategic supply chain partnerships
• The opportunity to make a significant impact on contract governance and commercial risk management across the business

About You

To succeed in this role, you will have:

• Experience drafting, reviewing, and managing commercial contracts
• Experience supporting supplier, subcontractor, or supply chain relationships
• Strong understanding of contractual terms, conditions, and commercial risk
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate documentation
• Experience managing contracts throughout their full lifecycle
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• The ability to work collaboratively with both internal teams and external partners
• A proactive approach and strong sense of ownership and accountability

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience within procurement, supply chain, or subcontractor management environments
• Knowledge of back-to-back contracting principles
• Experience supporting contract negotiations and commercial discussions
• Understanding of governance, compliance, and risk management processes
• Experience working within regulated or public services environments

Key Competencies

• Acts with integrity and promotes fairness, openness, and honesty
• Takes ownership and accountability for contract management activities
• Works collaboratively and builds strong working relationships
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Proactive and solutions-focused mindset
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong commercial awareness and risk-management capability

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in managing Reed in Partnership's contractual relationships, ensuring robust governance, effective risk management, and strong support for our supply chain operations.