A LITTLE BIT ABOUT US:

East West Rail is an infrastructure programme linking communities between Oxford and Cambridge. The area is currently let down by a lack of transport choices, and we have a once in a generation opportunity to fix that – improving prosperity for people and places along the way.
East West Railway Company (that’s us) was created by the Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee the delivery of East West Rail from construction through to wheels in motion, making sure the railway comes together in the right way.
At East West Railway Company, we’re committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple – to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications of all backgrounds and experiences.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE

• Extensive experience in contract management, including negotiation, drafting, and administration of complex contracts.
• Proven track record of leading and managing a contract management team.
• Strong understanding of legal and regulatory requirements related to contracts.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage at all levels of the organisation.

ROLE SUMMARY:

This role will be responsible for overseeing the EWR Co’s contract management team, ensuring that contractual agreements are effectively negotiated, managed, and delivered. You will have responsibility for developing the capability of the contract management function, ensuring its readiness for managing the main works contracts. This role involves strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and the development and enforcement of contract management policies and procedures

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead and manage the contract management team, providing strategic direction and oversight for their area.
• Develop and implement robust contract management policies, procedures, and governance frameworks working with the wider contract management team.
• Oversee the negotiation, drafting, and review of contracts to ensure compliance with legal and organisational standards.
• Monitor contract performance and ensure that all contractual obligations and milestones are met.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with contracts and develop strategies to address potential issues.
• Implements structured approaches to supplier relationship management throughout their area of responsibility.
• Manages supplier underperformance to resolution.
• Lead mediation and dispute resolution, driving value from the use of performance metrics and success criteria.
• Provides expert advice on relevant regulations and compliance issues.
• Provides practical advice to stakeholders having identified, evaluated, negotiated and apportioned contract risks.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to resolve contractual disputes and issues.
• Provide training and support to staff on contract management best practices and procedures.
• Works with stakeholders and communicates standards to eliminate corruption, fraud and unethical behaviour in supply chains, taking appropriate actions in the event of any alleged breach of standards.
• Responsible for managing and supporting direct reports including: coaching and developing team members to drive individual growth and operational excellence. Leading continuous improvement, through regular performance management and ensuring compliance with organisation policies and updating relevant systems.
• Take responsibility of your own and others’ health and safety by adopting and working to the EWR Co Health and Safety principles.
• Demonstrates a cost-conscious mindset, keeping tax payers’ money at the forefront of decisions.
• Shows a commitment to innovation by proactively seeking creative solutions to challenges and opportunities.
• Act as a role model for EWR Co’s vision and behaviours, working in ways that are aligned with EWR Co’s Ways of Working, as well as encouraging and supporting others to do so too.