Senior Contracts Manager

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.