Job Description
Interim Contract Manager (3-6 Months)
Day Rate: (Apply online only)
Location: Kent - Weekly in-person meetings required
Start Date: Within 4 weeks
The Council is seeking a highly experienced Interim Contract Manager to join the Property Services team on a temporary basis for an initial 3-6 month assignment. This is a senior technical role requiring extensive knowledge of contract management, procurement compliance, and construction legislation, to ensure the effective delivery of a range of externally commissioned property contracts.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead on the management of externally commissioned contracts, working collaboratively with other Contract Officers to ensure consistent delivery across the Council's estate.
Manage and motivate contractors to meet performance targets, contribute to corporate objectives, and maintain high customer service standards.
Develop and maintain a collaborative "one team" approach across council departments for unified contract delivery.
Take full ownership of allocated contracts, including budget control, delivery planning, performance analysis, and driving continuous improvement.
Provide technical input into procurement, including scope definition and specification writing, ensuring value for money and effective risk management.
Act as subject matter expert for construction contract management and procurement compliance, ensuring all services are procured in accordance with Council Standing Orders, statutory requirements, and relevant UK procurement regulations.
Serve as client liaison with legal services, instructing the correct JCT contract type (e.g. MW, MTC, Consultation) for specific works.
Ensure timely and accurate issue of notices and payments under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996.
Where appropriate, take on the role of Principal Designer, ensuring design-phase compliance with CDM regulations.
Accurately value completed construction works, scrutinising interim and final contractor accounts.
Respond to compliance-related queries linked to key statutory instruments (e.g. HSG274, Control of Asbestos Regulations, LOLER), ensuring services are delivered in line with legal and health & safety standards.
Essential Skills & Experience:
Proven experience managing complex JCT contracts, including technical understanding of notices, payments, and contract administration.
Strong working knowledge of the M3NHF Schedule of Rates and public sector procurement.
Demonstrated ability to lead contractor meetings, manage actions, and produce accurate documentation.
Sound knowledge of Section 20 consultation, Landlord and Tenant law, and CDM regulations.
Comfortable acting as technical lead and providing contract-related advice across multiple service areas.
Strong organisational skills, able to handle a varied and busy portfolio of contracts with professionalism and precision.
Ability to work independently while contributing to a wider team approach.
This is not a junior or development role. We are looking for a proven, technically competent contract management professional who can step in immediately and deliver results.
Vivid Resourcing are committed to equality of opportunity for all applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships or any other characteristic protected by law.
