Key Skills

Job Description

Heritage is for everybody, and we are here for heritage.Heritage lives in places and people, memories and stories, artefacts and traditions. It can connect us all to the past, and to each other. It can make us happier, strengthen every community, and help shape society for the better. Everybody should be able to enjoy the benefits it brings.That's why, as a charity, we care for over a million objects and hundreds of historic sites in every part of England, from international icons to local treasures. And it's why we open them up, share their stories and find new ways for everybody to enjoy, learn, play and create.We are looking for a Contracts Manager to join our team. The role is full time and permanent, working 36 hours per week.We offer flexible working arrangements where the role allows. You can be based at one of our regional office locations (York, Bristol, Swindon, London) or one of our site based offices (Dover Castle, Wrest Park) or be a homeworker. As this is a national role some travel will be needed to sites and offices to support meetings.The Benefits- Salary from £44,838, depending on skills, experience and location- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, pro rata, rising to 28 days after 3 years- Matched pension contributions up to 10%- Flexible hours- The opportunity to progress your career within the heritage sector- Apprenticeship opportunities- Subscriptions to professional bodies- Free access to all English Heritage sites for you and up to six friends and family members- 25% discount in our shops and cafes- Enhanced maternity, paternity or shared parental leave- Options to buy additional leave- An inclusive working atmosphere everybody is supported from all backgrounds, religions and with different needs- Opportunities to go to some of our great live music and history eventsEnglish Heritage cares for more than 400 historic sites supported by a wide range of contracts and suppliers delivering cyclical works, specialist services, reactive maintenance, compliance activity and conservation works.As National Contracts Manager within our Estates Department, you will provide centralised leadership of c.20 high-value and business-critical contracts, ensuring they are well managed, commercially controlled and performing effectively.We are looking for an experienced contract or commercial management professional, ideally from estates, facilities management, construction or a related environment. You will bring strong contract governance, supplier performance, risk and financial management experience, with the ability to analyse data, control costs, forecast, influence stakeholders, negotiate constructively and drive continuous improvement across complex, high-value contracts.To be considered for the role, you'll need:- Proven experience in contract or commercial management, ideally within estates, facilities management, construction or a related environment.- Strong understanding of contract governance, supplier performance management and risk management.- Experience managing complex, high-value contracts with multiple stakeholders.- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across operational and senior teams.- Experience of driving efficiencies, negotiating with suppliers and improving value for money.- Good understanding of procurement processes and relevant regulatory frameworks.Interviews will be held on Tuesday 13th October at 10 Wood Street, London EC2V 7ANIf you would like to talk to us e.g. about workplace adjustments or working patterns, please contact Jamie Cain, Head of Estates on [email protected]. No agencies please.Find out more about us and what we do: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/ You can also meet some of our people and hear about why they enjoy working with us: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/our-people/careers-with-us/Everybody's welcome at English HeritageForget the stereotypes. It takes thousands of people from every background to care for England's heritage and open it up for everybody to enjoy. We're looking for every type of person with every kind of skill and experience, and we're committed to making sure that English Heritage is an equitable, diverse and inclusive place to work. You can connect with others through our EDI networks as a member or ally. These include Ethnic Diversity, Faith & Belief, Social Equity, LGBTQ+, Neurodivergence, Age, Disability and Gender Health and Wellbeing.We take wellbeing seriously. We are committed to ensuring everyone feels safe at work and can carry out their role. To support this, we have a network of Mental Health First aiders, regular information and awareness events, unlimited access to an Employee Assistance Programme and work with our people to implement reasonable adjustments.Closing date: 27/09/2026 23:59:59

Core Responsibilities

Provide centralized leadership for approximately 20 high-value, business-critical contracts within the Estates Department. Ensure contracts are well-managed, commercially controlled, and performing effectively to support historic site maintenance and conservation.

Requirements

Requires proven experience in contract or commercial management, specifically within estates, facilities management, or construction. Candidates must demonstrate strong skills in supplier performance, risk management, and the ability to influence stakeholders.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Matched pension contributions up to 10%
• Flexible hours
• Career progression opportunities
• Apprenticeship opportunities
• Subscriptions to professional bodies
• Free access to English Heritage sites
• 25% discount in shops and cafes
• Enhanced maternity, paternity or shared parental leave
• Option to buy additional leave
• Inclusive working atmosphere
• Access to live music and history events