Commercial Contracts Manager

Key responsibilities

This role holds responsibility for managing contracts and the supply chain across all outsourced service delivery, including repairs, compliance, improvement and estate services. The primary focus is to ensure that all suppliers perform in full accordance with contractual requirements, maintaining high standards of quality and service. It also involves overseeing procurement, mobilisation, and contract management to deliver efficient and effective outcomes. Throughout all aspects of the role, the post holder is expected to embody and promote the organisation’s core values of Partnership, Respect and Pride.

Role essentials

This role requires strong contract management skills to ensure that services and goods are delivered as agreed, within budget, and to the required standard. This includes overseeing compliance, monitoring performance, and managing any necessary negotiations to maintain high-quality outcomes. Alongside this, effective project management is essential, involving the planning, execution, and successful closure of projects within scope, time and budget. Coordinating resources, managing stakeholders and ensuring that project objectives are met are key elements of this responsibility.

Commercial and procurement expertise is also vital. Working closely with the Procurement and Property team, the post holder will manage procurement processes and commercial relationships to secure the best value for the organisation. This includes negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring cost-effectiveness across all areas. Building and maintaining strong, mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers is a core part of the role, requiring regular communication, performance monitoring and alignment with business objectives.

Partnership working and effective cost control are additional critical competencies. The post holder will collaborate with external partners, including other organisations, communities, and government bodies, to achieve shared objectives and deliver improved outcomes. They will also develop and implement strategies for cost control, ensuring that services to tenants are delivered efficiently and within budget. This includes monitoring financial performance, assisting with reporting and forecasting, identifying potential efficiencies or savings and ensuring full compliance with financial regulations and Red Kite policies.

Qualifications, skills and experience

At Red Kite, we have a dedicated team that supports employees with all aspects of Learning and Knowledge. This role requires proven experience in a similar position within the housing sector or construction industry, alongside a strong understanding of cost control principles and practices. The ideal candidate will have excellent analytical skills with keen attention to detail, proficiency in financial reporting, and strong negotiation and contract management experience.

The ability to work collaboratively within a team environment is essential. Candidates should hold a minimum Level 6 qualification, preferably in estimating or quantity surveying and have appropriate membership of either CIOB or RICS. This position is ideal for someone seeking a genuine step up into a Commercial Manager role.

Please note: We occasionally close vacancies early in the event we receive a high number of applications, so we advise you to submit an application as early as possible.

Location: Hybrid working - two days per week in the office in High Wycombe.

How to apply

Have a read of the job description and if you’re excited about this opportunity take a look at our guidance notes and complete the application form and email it to Recruitment@redkitehousing.org.uk.

35-hour week pilot

Since June 2024 we have been piloting a change to our normal full-time, 37-hour 5-day week. We are trialling a shorter 35-hour week (for the same pay as before) where staff work a full day Monday to Thursday, and finish the working week at 1pm every Friday. It’s just a pilot at this stage while we evaluate its impact on our staff, our tenants, and the service we provide, but if successful we will consider a permanent move to this way of working in 2026.