Job Description

Contract Manager

Newcastle under Lyme - Homebased

Fixed-term contract for 6 months, with potential to extend

This is an opportunity to take a leading role in improving how we deliver repairs, maintenance and home improvement services for our customers. As Aspire Housing continues to invest in its Home Maintenance Service, we’re looking for a Contracts Manager who can bring commercial grip, strong contractor management and a sharp focus on quality, value and customer outcomes.

If you enjoy holding partners to account, influencing service improvement and working across operational and strategic priorities, this role offers the chance to make a visible difference.

About the role

As Contracts Manager, you’ll lead the management and performance of contractors delivering key maintenance-related services. You’ll make sure work is delivered to the right standard, at the right cost, and in a way that supports safe, efficient and customer-focused services.

You’ll play an important part in our wider transformation programme, using insight, commercial judgement and relationship management to strengthen performance and improve the experience of customers in their homes.

What you’ll be doing

* Leading the monitoring and management of contractor performance across quality, cost and service delivery measures

* Building effective relationships with contractors, suppliers and internal stakeholders to drive accountability and continuous improvement

* Chairing contract and performance meetings, providing clear challenge and direction where standards are not being met

* Reviewing costs, validating invoices and identifying opportunities to improve value for money

* Supporting procurement activity, including onboarding new contractors and suppliers where needed

* Using data, KPIs and service insight to identify risks, escalate issues early and inform improvements

* Working across teams to support service delivery, transformation activity and a consistent customer experience

* Preparing clear reports and updates to support decision-making and performance oversight

* Responding to customer feedback and complaints constructively, making sure learning is translated into service improvement

* Championing safe, compliant and customer-focused ways of working

What we’re looking for

You’ll bring experience in contract management, procurement or contractor performance within a relevant service environment, along with the confidence to challenge, influence and build strong working relationships.

* Experience managing contracts, contractor performance or procurement activity

* A track record of working effectively with contractors, suppliers and multiple stakeholders

* Strong commercial awareness, including budget management and value-for-money decision-making

* Knowledge of contract frameworks such as JCT, NEC or similar and the Nat fed 8 schedule of rates framework.

* Experience using performance data and KPIs to manage delivery and drive improvement

* The ability to communicate clearly, influence positively and maintain strong professional standards

* A collaborative approach and a genuine commitment to improving services for customers

At Aspire, attitude and behaviour matter. We value people who work collaboratively, keep their promises, respect others and contribute to a one-team culture.

What we offer

* The chance to make a real difference to customers and communities

* 27 days’ holiday, plus bank holidays and 3 concessionary days at Christmas

* Comprehensive employee assistance programme

* Benefits and discounts platform

* Holiday buy, tech and annual saving schemes

* 2 volunteer days per year

* Generous pension scheme and life insurance up to 3x salary as an active member

* Wellbeing support, health drop-ins and workplace safety provisions

* Option to join the medical health cash plan

* Green car scheme

* Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

* Service-related awards

* Cycle to work scheme

If you’re looking for a role where you can influence service quality, strengthen contractor performance and help shape better outcomes for customers, we’d love to hear from you.

Please apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to interview during the advertising period and may close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications