Interim Contracts Manager – Housing
Location: South London (On‑site required)
Contract: Interim (initial 6–12 months, strong potential for extension)
Day Rate: £550 per day (Inside IR35)
I am working with a well‑established Local Authority who are seeking an experienced Interim Contracts Manager to strengthen governance, oversight, and performance across a wide range of housing contracts, including major works, repairs & maintenance, professional services, and wider asset‑related procurement activity.
This is an excellent opportunity for a capable, detail‑driven professional who can bring structure, control, and commercial rigour to contract management processes while ensuring statutory compliance and best value for the organisation.
About the Interim Contracts Manager role:
- Develop, maintain, and manage a robust contract management strategy for Housing Services, ensuring clear governance, compliance, and performance monitoring.
- Review and oversee the organisation’s housing contract register, ensuring all contract information, documentation and statuses remain accurate and up to date.
- Support strategic and annual reviews of housing contracts, preparing reports, options appraisals, and procurement recommendations for senior stakeholders.
- Work closely with procurement, finance, legal, and service leads to ensure all purchasing activity aligns with regulations, standing orders, and case law.
- Provide expert advice on procurement regulations, contract mobilisation, service delivery expectations, and supplier management.
- Lead on contract performance monitoring, ensuring KPIs, SLAs and quality expectations are achieved, and escalating risks/issues promptly.
- Contribute to the procurement and oversight of contracts totalling £6m+ per annum, ensuring rigorous financial and operational controls.
- Maintain internal guidance, training materials and forward plans to support ongoing procurement and contract management activity.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with internal teams, external suppliers, and stakeholders across all levels.
- Support risk management across all housing contracts, ensuring risks are identified, mitigated, and reported appropriately.
- Handle general enquiries, councillor/member queries, and complaints relating to procurement and contract matters.
Your experience as an Interim Contracts Manager:
- Strong track record managing contracts within public sector housing, repairs, major works, construction, or built environment services.
- Demonstrable experience securing value for money and achieving efficiencies across diverse contracts.
- Knowledge of public procurement legislation and contract management best practice within local government or housing.
- Confident interpreting contract information, maintaining registers, and ensuring governance standards are adhered to.
- Experience using procurement and contract management systems (e.g., Oracle, Keystone, Northgate).
- Excellent written and verbal communication, with an ability to prepare clear reports, advice notes, and strategic documents.
- Strong financial acumen with experience supporting contracts totalling £6m+ annual expenditure.
- Proactive, analytical, and solution‑focused approach with excellent stakeholder engagement skills.
- Relevant degree or professional qualification in procurement, law, built environment, or supply chain management.
Desirable:
- Experience delivering contract management within a Housing Service context.
- Knowledge of social value, sustainable procurement, and inclusive growth principles.
- Experience working with solicitors on contractual updates and regulatory changes.
- Additional professional accreditation (e.g., MCIPS, RICS, CIH).
If this Interim Contracts Manager opportunity sounds like a good fit for you, please send your CV to George – g.batson@baltimoreconsultingltd.com.
(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation, so please get in touch if you know someone suitable.)
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