Commercial & Contracts Manager - Culture & Leisure

Morden, South West London | Hybrid Working (3 days office / 2 days home) | Leadership Opportunity

Are you an experienced public sector procurement or contract management professional looking for a role where your work has a visible impact on communities, public spaces and quality of life?

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a diverse and high-profile portfolio spanning leisure, culture, sport, parks, greenspaces and arboriculture. From protecting and enhancing much-loved public spaces to supporting leisure and cultural services that bring communities together, you''ll play a pivotal role in shaping services relied upon by thousands of residents every day.

You will lead the strategic management, governance and performance of a portfolio of contracts worth more than -6 million annually, ensuring exceptional service delivery, strong commercial outcomes and meaningful social value.

The Opportunity

This role goes far beyond traditional contract management.

You will establish and embed a modern, data-led contract management function, creating robust governance frameworks, performance monitoring systems and reporting mechanisms that drive accountability, continuous improvement and value for money.

You''ll act as the lead for major procurement activity across the service area, overseeing significant tenders, contract mobilisations and improvement programmes while building productive relationships with stakeholders ranging from elected members and senior leaders to community groups, service providers and residents.

With a major focus on leisure, cultural services and greenspaces, this position offers the opportunity to influence services that directly contribute to healthier communities, environmental sustainability, civic pride and resident wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic management and performance of high-value greenspace, leisure, culture and sports-related contracts.
• Develop and implement robust contract management and quality assurance frameworks.
• Create meaningful KPI, SLA and performance monitoring systems that support continuous improvement.
• Drive best value, commercial efficiency and social value outcomes across a significant contract portfolio.
• Lead major procurement exercises and contract renewals within a public sector environment.
• Build strong partnerships with contractors, stakeholders, community groups and service users.
• Produce and present reports and recommendations to senior stakeholders and governance boards.
• Oversee contract mobilisation, implementation and transition activities.
• Manage budgets associated with large-scale contracted services.
• Recruit, develop and lead two newly created Contract Monitoring Officer positions, helping shape the future structure and capability of the function.

About You

We''re keen to hear from candidates with a background in public sector procurement, commissioning, contract management or commercial service delivery.

You may currently be working as a:

• Contract Manager
• Senior Contract Manager
• Head of Contracts
• Procurement Manager
• Category Manager
• Commissioning Manager
• Commercial Manager
• Service Manager with significant contract responsibility

To succeed, you''ll likely have:

• Experience managing high-value contracts within a local authority, wider public sector organisation or similarly complex environment.
• A proven track record of establishing or improving contract management frameworks, governance processes and performance monitoring systems.
• Strong procurement and commissioning experience, including supporting or leading significant tender exercises.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the confidence to engage senior leaders, elected members, suppliers and community groups.
• Experience managing budgets and delivering value-for-money outcomes.
• The ability to analyse performance data and translate insights into service improvements.
• Previous line management experience or the desire to develop and lead teams.

Why Consider This Role?

This is an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on services that people genuinely care about.

Few contract management positions offer the chance to influence everything from parks and open spaces to sports facilities, leisure services and community-focused cultural programmes. You''ll be joining at a key stage in the development of the function, with the autonomy to implement new systems, shape contract governance and build a high-performing team.

Diversity & Inclusion

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities.

We are committed to supporting our clients to build diverse workforces that reflect the communities they support. Applications are encouraged from women, men, non-binary people, LGBTQ+ individuals, people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, disabled people, carers, and those returning to work following a career break.

If you have the skills, experience and potential to succeed in this role, we would love to hear from you.

Location: Morden, South West London
Working Pattern: Hybrid (3 days office / 2 days home)
Salary: -60,500 to -62,500 pa
Type: Permanent, Full Time

For a confidential discussion and further information, please get in touch.

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