Senior Operational Contract Manager

Apply before

09/07/2026, 23:55

Reference number

Salary

£55575

London weighting allowance (Per Annum)

£4218

Role grade

G3

Contract type

Permanent

Command

Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT)

Business Area

Enterprise Services

Type of role

Procurement and Contracts Management

Working pattern

Full time, Part time, Flexible Working, Homeworking, Job share

Number of roles available

Senior Operational Contract Manager

Location(s)

Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Leicester, London, Normanton (Calder), Warrington

About the Role

Information about the Command

Digital, Data & Technology (DDaT), supports NCA operational commands with how we exploit data and to ensure the NCA uses the best technology platforms with the right tools and applications to further enable the NCA to protecting the public from serious and organised crime. We are responsible for defining and delivering our data and technology strategy, policy and architecture, and building and sustaining resilient services which are critical to our mission success.

The pace of change within the digital and tech world means we need to be agile and innovative in how we respond to threats while exploiting the opportunities this presents.

Information about the Business Area

Enterprise Services is responsible for the provision of the IT Enterprise Services, which enables the NCA and its partners to achieve their operational outcomes and mission effectiveness across the Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) system by providing a 24 hour operation, working 7 days a week, across 365 days of the year. Enterprise Services works with suppliers to ensure NCA services are reliable and affordable, along with leading the migration of new services going live to users across the estate. Enterprise Services also drives the Supply Chain, enabling the NCA to be an agile and responsive organisation, to ensure the sustainability of our future technology estate.

Role Summary

Join the Digital, Data and Technology Service Performance team, leading major technology contracts that support essential services across the Agency. You will drive strong supplier performance, improve value, manage risk and guide a skilled team to ensure our digital services meet organisational needs.

Role Description

The Operational Contract Management Team forms part of the Enterprise Services - Service Performance team within the Digital, Data & Technology (DDaT) Command, ensuring the effective, efficient and economic delivery of services supplied to the NCA through application of proven proactive Supplier management techniques, service delivery assurance, financial management and a philosophy of continuous service improvement.

To be successful in this role you will need to lead and manage a team supporting the business through policy development, planning, performance, service delivery and governance.

You will direct resources to ensure supplier obligations and quality standards in line with Agency policy are met.

This role aligns with the Operational Contract Manager within Government Commercial Function (GCF) more specifically the Contract Management Pioneer Programme - Competencies Framework. With elements of Senior Business Relationship Manager within Government Digital and Data Profession Capability.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities Overview

Leadership and Management

Provide strong, visible, engaging and consistent leadership in line with the NCA Leadership Model. Support delivery outside own command area in line with ambitions of Agency. Embed performance management practice in day to day activity of officers and for performance improvements to be identified and managed in line with NCA policy, procedure and NCA values. Ensure action is taken to address concerns of bullying, harassment and discrimination.

Contract & Supplier Management

Ensure contracts comply with relevant legislation by applying effective contract management practices, monitoring performance measures and maintaining strong supplier relationships to support effective service delivery. Review and mitigate risks across all contract areas, maintaining clear controls and identifying opportunities to improve service delivery and strengthen contract outcomes. Oversee supplier performance and provide clear feedback that drives continuous improvement.

Continuous Improvement

Promote a culture of adaptability, lead by example and drive improvements to contract management processes and outcomes.Encourage continuous improvement by supporting the team, coaching and mentoring staff, and enabling them to deliver meaningful change.

IT Performance Metrics

Develop good practice approaches and policy, using historical and forecast data to understand trends and inform future contract decisions. Support the Enterprise Services Finance Performance team with the development and maintenance of performance measures by helping to create accurate KPI metrics and ensuring data is recorded and updated correctly.

Stakeholder Management

Manage stakeholder areas across different funding streams, understand their requirements and assess these against available contracts/budgets while ensuring activity aligns with organisational controls. Work with suppliers and stakeholders across the NCA to introduce change and support improvements within the performance team.

Person Specification

Skills, Knowledge and Experience Description

Strong Interpersonal skills

Able to build positive working relationships, communicate clearly and respectfully in written and verbal form, adapting style to suit different audiences. Build positive working relationships, through active listening, empathy and professional collaboration to influence, resolve issues and work effectively with others.

Negotiation skills

Able to reach fair and effective agreements by understanding different viewpoints, presenting clear reasoning and finding solutions that meet shared objectives. Uses confidence, communication and problem‑solving to resolve issues and secure positive outcomes.

Contract knowledge

Understands the principles of contract law, terms and conditions, and how contracts are structured and managed. Able to interpret contract requirements, identify risks or issues, and ensure obligations are met throughout the contract lifecycle.

Risk Management

Able to identify potential risks early, assess their impact, and put effective measures in place to reduce or prevent them. Uses sound judgement, analysis and structured processes to maintain control and support reliable delivery.

Commercial and Financial acumen

Understands how financial and commercial factors influence contracts and service delivery. Able to assess value for money, monitor costs, interpret financial information and make informed decisions that support effective and sustainable outcomes.

Attention to detail

Able to work accurately and carefully, checking information, documents and data to ensure it is correct and complete. Identifies errors or inconsistencies early and maintains high standards in all work to avoid legal or compliance risks.

Project Management

Plan, organise and coordinate work to meet agreed goals and timescales. Oversee multiple contracts at once, managing deadlines, resources and tasks effectively.

Analytical thinking

Examine information carefully, identify patterns or issues and draw sound conclusions. Uses logical reasoning to assess complex contract issues, evaluate options and recommend effective, evidence‑based solutions.

Technical skills

Able to use relevant software, systems and data analysis tools confidently, including contract management platforms and Microsoft Office. Comfortable working with data, updating information accurately and learning new technologies when required.

Essential Criteria

You must meet the essential criteria and evidence this within your application to be considered for the role.

Entry Requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint

Any applications from candidates not meeting this eligibility criteria will not progress.

Salary

Allowances are reviewed annually and may be increased, decreased or removed.

All salary offers will be made in line with Remuneration Policy.

• Roles based in London will receive an additional London Weighting (Per Annum) of £4218

Benefits

All NCA employees are members of the UK Civil Service and eligible for the Civil Service pension scheme, alongside your salary the NCA contributes £16100. Further information on the benefits of the scheme is available on the Civil Service Pension Website.

New entrants to the NCA receive 26 days annual leave, rising to 31 on completion of 5 years continuous service, plus 8 bank holidays.

If qualifying criteria is met new joiners from UK Police Forces or the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) will have service with those employers taken into account for continuous service purposes for annual leave entitlement only, this will be up to a maximum of 31 days leave (including 1 privilege day).

Other benefits include:

• Flexible working, including flexi-time, compressed hours and job sharing (in line with business requirements)
• Family friendly policies, notably above the statutory minimum
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Interest free loans and advances, including season tickets, childcare and rental deposits
• Housing schemes - Key Worker status
• Discounts and Savings with a wide variety of services including Cycle to Work, Smart Tech schemes, dental insurance, gym discounts and savings on everyday spending, available through the Reward Gateway | Edenred and Blue Light Card schemes.
• Staff support groups/networks
• Sports and social activities, including membership to the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC)

Further information is available on the NCA Website.

Selection Process Details

This vacancy is using the Success Profiles framework and will assess using the following criteria: Behaviours, Experience, Technical Skills

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

How we will assess you

CV

Please include your full career history, training, qualifications, key responsibilities, and achievements. Explain any employment gaps in the last two years. Ensure all accreditation dates are accurate.

Details of what is expected within your CV are as follows: Experience of managing a diverse/complex supply chain that covers Performance and contract lifecycle management.

Statement of Suitability

Please describe and demonstrate experience in operational supplier and contract management, including:

• Commercial contract governance

• Negotiating with IT suppliers and senior stakeholders

• Nanaging demand while maintaining effective stakeholder engagement

A panel will assess how well your application demonstrates the requirements outlined above.

You will receive an acknowledgement once your application is submitted.

We aim to have sift completed and scores released within 10 working days of the closing date of the advert. For high volume campaigns this timeframe may be extended.

Scores will be provided but further feedback will not be available at this stage.

For guidance on the application process, visit:

NCA Applying and Onboarding

Assessment 1

The format of this assessment will be Interview which will be tested on the criteria listed in the Success Profiles at Assessment section.

Success Profiles at Assessment

Behaviours

• Working Together

Technical

• Analysing complex data

• Stakeholder Management

Experience

• Managing Contract Performance

• Influencing and Negotiation

Assessment Outcome

Outcomes will be communicated via the NCA recruitment portal.

If successful but no role is immediately available, you may be placed on a reserve list for 12 months.

Reserve lists can be used to fill similar role types across the Agency where the assessment criteria is considered a match by the recruitment team and the business area.

In the event of a tie at the assessment stage, available roles will be offered in merit order using the following order:

• Lead criteria (behaviours/technical/experience)

• If still tied, desirable criteria will be assessed (if advertised)

• If still tied, application sift scores will be used

Feedback is provided only to those who attend an assessment.

You will be subject to vetting and pre-employment checks before appointment.

Once the vacancy closes, the advert will no longer be accessible. Please save a copy for your records.

We encourage all candidates to visit the NCA Careers Page for more information.

Eligibility, Pre-Employment Check and Vetting

Please see the NCA T&Cs and Privacy Policy (pdf) for details on how your data is handled.

If you are an internal candidate who has passed interview but is undergoing an internal investigation or have a written warning in place preventing a post move you may not be able to be posted until this investigation is concluded or restriction lifted.

Nationality Requirements

• UK nationals or dual nationals, where one component is British

• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland

• Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK

• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre- settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020

• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

You will be required to participate in digital right to work and address checks as part of the recruitment process.

Security and Vetting

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is SC Enhanced. All security clearances will be managed by the NCA.

For more information on security vetting please visit: UK Security Vetting guidance for applicants and Demystifying Vetting and see our vetting charter at: The Vetting Charter.

Vetting requirements - SC Enhanced

Prior to commencing the role, you will need to successfully complete SC Enhanced clearance and then achieve DV Enhanced clearance within the first 12 months in post.

The requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years.

The requirement for DV Enhanced clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 7 of the last 10 years.

Failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected.

If the increased clearance cannot be obtained you will be moved to a role appropriate to your clearance level achieved on entry.

For further information on National Security Vetting checks please visit the following page Demystifying Vetting

Individuals will be required to undertake and pass a substance misuse test as part of pre-employment checks.

Occupational Health

Successful candidates will be expected to undertake an occupational health assessment. Depending on the role an in-person medical may be required in either London or Warrington. Unfortunately, travel costs will not be reimbursed.

Things you need to know

Multi Location

Where multiple locations are advertised, appointments will be made in merit order for each location.

Please indicate up to three location preferences clearly. Only your first three preferences will be considered. You may be allocated to any of the locations you select. If you decline an offer for a location you have selected as a preference, a further offer may not be made.

If you choose to reject an offer and no alternative preferred location can be offered, you will not be able to return to the process or be placed on a reserve list.

Only the advertised locations are available; any additional notes added to the application will not be taken into account.

Near Miss

If you meet the criteria for a lower grade, you may be offered that role if not appointable at the advertised grade.

Conversely, if found appointable at a higher grade but no posts are available, you may be offered a lower-grade role.

All offers are made based on merit.

Hybrid Working

The NCA supports hybrid working. The extent of remote working will depend on the role and can be discussed at the offer stage.

Reasonable Adjustments

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and an inclusive, equal opportunities employer.

We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can be their authentic self. If you’re neurodiverse, have a disability, or live with a long-term health condition, we encourage you to let us know about any reasonable adjustments you may need during the recruitment process.

If you experience accessibility issues with the advert or require reasonable adjustments, please contact our Recruitment Team at ***email_hidden*** before the advert closing date.

Please ensure you complete the ‘Equal opportunities’ and 'Reasonable Adjustments' sections in the application form to inform us on what support you may need in the recruitment process.

For more on our Disability Confident commitment, visit Disability Confident Scheme | Civil Service Careers .

Visit NCA Benefits and Support for more details.

Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

In order to monitor the effectiveness of the National Crime Agency's Diversity & Inclusion strategy, we require certain personal details about you on submission of your application for statistical and monitoring purposes only. Please note that this will be treated in confidence and will not impact your application.

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit on merit through fair and open competition, in line with the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

If you believe your application has not been treated fairly, email: ***email_hidden*** (quoting the vacancy reference).

If unresolved, you may escalate your complaint to the Civil Service Commission.

Working for the NCA

The National Crime Agency is a 24/7 organisation, and working patterns must support business requirements. Some roles may require you to respond at short notice or outside of core hours.

If preferable, alternative contract types may be available. Please review the green bar of this advert to view all available contract types for this role. Where Loan or Secondment options are available, these would be for existing Civil Servants (Loan) and applicants from accredited Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) or any other employer (Secondment). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.

If you have any specific queries about the role that are not covered by the advert, please contact:

Name : Central Recruitment Team

Email : ***email_hidden***