Procurement and Contract Manager - FTC

Procurement and Contract Manager – 12m FTC

Closing date: 7 January 2026

Base pay: £55k – £60k per annum

We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Procurement and Contract Manager to lead the delivery of mid‑value procurement and contract management activities and support senior procurement colleagues across a broad range of categories. This key role ensures RDG achieves value for money, compliance with public sector regulations, and strong supplier performance across all contracts. The position reports to the Head of Procurement.

• Support Senior Procurement Managers: publishing Public Contracts Notices, conducting conflict of interest assessments, arranging site visits, collecting procurement documentation, and providing additional support as required.
• Lead the end‑to‑end procurement process for mid‑value procurements (valued below the Utilities Contracts Regulations threshold), ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and internal governance frameworks.
• Contract lifecycle management: oversee contract extensions, variations, Statements of Work, contract change control, confidentiality agreements (NDAs), and other support functions.
• Promote a proactive procurement culture: champion best practice, influence stakeholders to adopt value‑driven approaches, and drive continuous improvement.
• Provide expert procurement advice and guidance on obligations under RDG’s internal policies and regulatory frameworks (PA23, thresholds, transparency, sustainability, fair work). Ensure stakeholders fulfil their procurement responsibilities.
• Support robust contract management: define key performance indicators (KPIs), service level agreements (SLAs), monitor supplier performance, facilitate contract reviews, and ensure delivery against agreed objectives.
• Lead strategic procurement and supplier negotiations: own or support mid‑value procurement exercises, negotiate contract terms and commercial conditions aligned with organisational goals.
• Ensure compliance with internal procedures, governance checkpoints, audit requirements, and complete procurement documentation and approvals accurately and on time.
• Provide category and cross‑functional procurement support, remaining flexible across multiple categories.

• MCIPS qualified or working towards qualification.
• Minimum five years of experience in a procurement role within the public sector.
• In‑depth knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and UCR 2016 Public Contracts Regulations, with experience ensuring compliance throughout the procurement lifecycle.
• Experience delivering competitive tender exercises below the UCR threshold and drafting and finalising tender documentation (RfP, RfQ, specifications, award criteria, evaluation methodology).
• Experience delivering contract and procurement support functions, including extensions, variations, Statements of Work, contract change control, NDAs, and related activities.
• Strong working knowledge of UK contract law as it applies to public sector procurement; expertise in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contract terms and assessing commercial risk.
• Competence in contract management, KPIs, SLAs, performance reviews, contract changes, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to manage supplier relationships and dispute resolution processes.
• Skilled stakeholder engagement and communication with legal, finance, project teams, and senior leadership; ability to provide clear procurement advice to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).

• 30 days annual leave.
• 75% reduction on UK rail travel for work and leisure.
• Reduced international rail travel.
• Interest‑free season ticket loan.
• Contributory defined benefit pension scheme.
• Give As You Earn scheme.
• Subsidised private medical care.
• Healthcare cash plan scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme scheme.
• Flexible working.
• 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave (subject to eligibility).
• Personal development days.
• Employees may sell up to five days’ leave; can also buy up to five days’ leave (pro‑rated for part‑time employees).