Contracts Officer

• A fantastic opportunity to join the University of Liverpool
• Offers agile/hybrid working approach

About Our Client

Established in 1881, the University of Liverpool is an internationally renowned Russell Group university recognised for our high-quality teaching and research. We are consistently ranked as one of the best Universities both nationally and globally, and the majority of our research is rated world leading or internationally excellent.

When you work at the University of Liverpool you are more than just your job role. You are a crucial part of our mission to improve lives on a local, national and international scale.

We recognise, appreciate and celebrate the incredible work our staff do every day. As well as generous terms and conditions, we offer a range of enviable benefits and provide support for colleague's well-being and development. Discover more here - https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/working/whyworkhere/

The University is working in partnerships both locally and globally to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals, harnessing our strengths in research and education to drive forward the solutions and cultural change to move to a sustainable future.

IT Services is part of the University Central Professional Services. The role of the department is to provide high quality IT services to the entire University. The range of services is wide and covers all aspects of the business. As such, they are key to the University's success whether this relates to the maintenance and development of existing services or the creation of new services that are needed to support the University's strategic objectives

Job Description

The Contracts Officer role provides support to the IT Services Contract Managers and wider Department in ensuring all IT Services contracts are administered appropriately and managed within an agreed framework. This role will maintain and develop contacts within the University and externally and act as a recognised point of contact. While reporting to the Finance Manager, this role will act as a team leader to the contract administrators, ensuring all activities align with University policy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders, you will ensure robust contract management procedures are in place, working with departmental and central Procurement to ensure compliance.
• Reporting to the Finance Manager in IT Services, you will manage and maintain the contracts database ensuring integration with the finance system and other reporting channels.
• Supporting the service area leads in managing and monitoring any external contractors procured to ensure appropriate administration and the development of a renewal pipeline.
• Oversee and measure the fulfilment of contractual obligations using KPIs to monitor and challenge performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Provide associated relevant and timely information to colleagues on pending changes or renewals within the timescales of each contract (e.g. renewal dates, renewal costs).
• Make full use of agreed frameworks and contracts to ensure that any invoices for such work are received and processed in a timely fashion and within the correct financial year.
• Undertake regular liaison with established contracted suppliers and provide feedback on any issues that arise to the Head of Operations, Finance Manager, and Service Leads as necessary.
• Understand the planned future changes in service requirements to ensure that effective contracts are in place.
• Ensure any changes to contracts are administered appropriately and in accordance with procurement and financial regulations.
• Alongside budget holders and contract owners undertake Supplier Relationship Management with key suppliers to manage performance (cost, service and quality) and risks.
• Establish a contract management framework to ensure that the specialist suppliers, consultants and contractors involved in delivering IT Services are effectively managed and coordinated.
• Work with Procurement teams and contract owners, to help define a strategy and implementation plan to re-negotiate existing contracts.
• Process all enquiries, liaise with external agencies, negotiate best price and delivery, and progress chasing where necessary. Maintaining communication with contract owners at all times.
• Coordinate review meetings with key contractors to review performance, ensure value for money and identify areas of risk or continuous improvement.
• Ensure plans are in place for the timely renewal or replacement of all existing contracts.
• Be fully aware of all contractual requirements within your areas of responsibility and use the deep understanding of those commitments, alongside area knowledge, to optimise the contract for both sides.
• Work with the Head of Operations and Finance Manager to develop robust processes for existing operational activities around the PC Scheme and Mobile contracts.
• Act as team leader to contract administrators, develop internal procedures and encourage personal development of the team.

The Successful Applicant

Essential experience:

• Experience of working in a role in a similar complex environment
• Significant experience of contract management
• Experience of contractual negotiations
• Experience of using software management tools
• Experience of working closely with stakeholders to manage supplier performance
• Experience of developing and managing constructive and transparent relationships with suppliers
• Experience of reviewing and managing SLAs
• Experience of identifying financial efficiencies
• Experience of staff management, including staff development, training and professional development review (PDR), managing performance, building morale, and leading and motivating others to provide excellent and efficient professional support services

Desirable experience:

• Experience of managing IT contracts
• Experience of budget management and resource allocation
• Experience of supplier relationship management
• Experience of Agresso accounting software
• Experience in developing collaborative and professional relationships
• Ability to undertake data analysis and produce written reports for a variety of audiences

What's on Offer

• Salary £37,386 - £43,155
• Good working conditions, with emphasis on a good work life balance
• 44 days annual leave including bank holidays
• Pension contributions 10% employee and 20% University
• Hybrid working model circa 60% home 40% office on site
• Access to onsite facilities, state of the art Sports Centre including Swimming Pool
• Staff discount and benefit schemes
• Staff support groups for various interests
• Cycle to work schemes and Public Transport Loan scheme

Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page.

Ref Code: MPYC0520236059601Z