Skills Contracts Operations Manager - North West

About the role

The Skills Contracts Operations Manager will lead the end‑to‑end management of contracts for skill‑development programmes across Greater Manchester. Working in a hybrid setting, you will ensure contracts are delivered on time, within budget and to the quality standards expected by commissioners.

Key responsibilities

• Implement robust project‑management and review procedures for all Greater Manchester skills contracts.
• Coordinate with Business Development, Enrolment, Delivery and Data & Claims teams to align deliverables with commissioner expectations.
• Engage community groups, employers and other stakeholders to grow the curriculum‑specific business.
• Maintain relationships with commissioners, subcontractors and delivery partners.
• Produce and maintain contract planning, monitoring and reporting documentation.
• Facilitate regular contract reviews, identify risks and define mitigation actions.
• Provide weekly status reports on milestones, KPIs, inter‑dependencies, risks and issues.
• Respond to commissioner reporting and assurance requests.
• Collaborate with Heads of Quality, Curriculum and Innovation to drive financial performance and quality improvement.

Required profile

• Proven experience in contract management within education or skills‑development programmes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship‑building abilities.
• Demonstrated capability to monitor performance against KPIs and financial targets.
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple internal teams.

Required skills

What we offer

• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Opportunity to influence the delivery of regional skills programmes.
• Collaboration with senior leadership and diverse stakeholder groups.