Contracts Officer (IT) - (8023)

Fixed Term, Maternity Cover until 31 July 2026

Our Vendor Management team based within the Office of the CIO is recruiting for a Contracts Officer to cover for a colleague through their maternity leave.

About the Role

To join our cohesive team as the Contracts Officer, you will have a background in contract management, buying or procurement. You will be engaged in key strategic IT contracts, work with stakeholders to develop specification, manage contract performance, and in the development of contract infrastructure.

On a typical working day, you will be:

• Liaising with stakeholders to achieve the best value-for-money for the University
• Using our IT Asset Management tool, Flexera, to log Purchase Orders and Contracts and generate spend reports
• Meeting with suppliers to report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) set within contracts
• Working across the wider IT & Digital teams to process ad-hoc requests throughout the year

As a member of the Vendor Management team, you'll be able to work in a pre-dominantly hybrid way, typically 1-2 days on site (we are all in on Wednesdays!)

Key Responsibilities

• Providing efficient support to manage several high-profile systems and services
• Collaborating with the University's Procurement department and ITD managers to ensure ITD contract performance is closely monitored, with robust financial and KPI tracking systems in place
• Providing high-quality information, advice, and guidance on contract management and performance to stakeholders, referring queries to the Senior Contract Officer when appropriate
• Arranging and attending supplier meetings, potentially leading discussions as required
• Supporting tender activities, including preparing documentation and liaising with relevant stakeholders
• Planning and prioritizing own workload to contribute effectively to the department's service provision

Key Skills & Experiences 

• Previous experience in Contract and Stakeholder Management
• Negotiation skills
• Budget and financial management
• Clear communication
• Attention to detail
• Prioritisation skills

To learn more about the full list of criteria and benefits, please refer to the job description and candidate pack attached below.

About the Department

The Office of the CIO (OCIO) is responsible for the operational and strategic management of IT & Digital. The areas of focus for the Vendor management team are:

• Ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective IT and Digital solutions
• The alignment of IT services with the University's mission and strategic goals (Road to 2030)
• The management of information technology and leadership of IT efforts across campus
• Leading IT strategic planning
• Management of IT-related contracts, licensing and distribution

About the Directorate: 

As IT&D, we help to create the University of the future by co-designing new ways of working, enhancing productivity, reducing complexity, supporting innovation, and providing the insights to drive continual improvement. Embracing a digital future in an evolving modern university, you will be working in partnership with our academic and Professional Services colleagues to deliver digital services that help the University achieve its strategic objectives in teaching and research, nationally & globally.

If you would like to join our people and share our ambition, we would love to hear from you!

Application Process: Please submit a CV and covering letter detailing how your skills and experience align with the job requirements. For informal enquiries about this vacancy, please contact Robbie Taylor at robbie.taylor@mmu.ac.uk.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we sometimes close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role.

Manchester Met University is committed to creating an intentionally inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We understand the importance of having a diverse workforce and the benefits it can bring to ensuring diversity of thought and innovation in everything we do. We, therefore, encourage applications from people from ethnic minority groups, disabled people and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.