Head of Commercial & Contract Management

Description

Southwark is one of London’s most brilliantly diverse and economically varied boroughs, home to a vibrant mix of communities that make it a dynamic place to live and work. As we work towards building a greener, fairer, and safer Southwark, we are looking for exceptional individuals to help us deliver essential services to our residents. The Head of Commercial & Contract Management plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our housing services are delivered efficiently, effectively, and in line with the Council's ambitious vision for the future.

About the role:

As Head of Commercial & Contract Management, you will lead a dedicated team of professionals responsible for delivering robust contract management and procurement services across the Housing department. Your role will be central to developing and implementing long-term strategies that align with the Council’s objectives, focusing on cost control, risk management, and maximising the value of contracts.

You will oversee the procurement of major contracts and advise senior management, ensuring that Southwark’s housing services operate efficiently and remain within budget, all while safeguarding the Council from potential risks. By strategically managing maintenance and investment budgets, you will help ensure that residents receive high-quality housing services that improve their everyday lives.

You will be responsible for continuously evaluating the effectiveness of contracts, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that services meet the highest standards. Your leadership in implementing cost control measures and driving service enhancements will directly contribute to the improvement of housing services across our brilliantly diverse borough.

In addition to your strategic role, you will manage disputes, conduct audits, and provide vital training across departments on procurement and cost control best practices. You’ll work closely with supply chains to secure cost savings, improve service quality, and ensure that all activities support Southwark’s vision for 2030—creating a green, fair, and safe borough for all.

Who are we looking for?

We need an experienced leader with a strong knowledge of building contracts, housing legislation, and building standards. Your familiarity with JCT, GC Works, and NEC contracts, alongside the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act, is essential. This will be complimented by a deep understanding of legal remedies such as adjudication and mediation, as well as experience in risk evaluation and mitigation.

We are looking for an experienced professional with a significant background in the construction industry, particularly in estimating, tendering, quantity surveying, and contract management. You will need a solid understanding of the risks and challenges associated with both commercial and public sector projects, and demonstrate expertise in valuing interim payments, preparing final accounts, and managing contractor operations. Experience in dispute resolution and financial performance reporting is essential.

We need someone who has strong leadership and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. You should be adept at motivating teams, managing deadlines, and prioritising workloads in a fast-paced environment. Working with our fantastic people, its important you have experience in supporting team development, utilising technology to monitor performance, and analysing data to create detailed reports and presentations.

If you are passionate about making a tangible difference in a diverse borough like Southwark, and have the expertise to lead and improve our housing services, we would love to hear from you.

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