Property Contracts Manager

About Us

We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses.

National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.

Job Introduction

A temporary opportunity is available for a Property Contracts Manager, with the primary responsibility of managing the safe, timely and cost-effective delivery of services to the ED Property Team through its framework of external contractors.  The contract will be for 12 months (subject to review) and the location of the role can be flexible within one of NGED geographical operational areas and will be agreed with the successful candidate.

The role is focussed on the management of external framework contractors working across the whole of ED Property, but with particular reference to those supporting the delivery of land rights, land purchase and consents for overhead, underground and site-based projects in the delivery of capital, maintenance and new connection projects. You will also be responsible for managing new supplier relationships.

Reporting to the Consents Manager you will be working with a number of NGED departments including Network Design, Major Projects as well as colleagues in ED Property.   In the support of an ambitious programme of projects, across a wide range of scale, you will be responsible for managing supplier relationships with and the delivery of services from our framework contractors.  

Key business requirements are the timely, cost-effective and efficient delivery of land rights and statutory consents and you will be responsible for ensuring that key project milestones are met to ensure that land rights and consents do not present barriers to the programme’s critical path

As part of our hybrid working approach this role offers a mix of office, home and some site-based working, with the ability to travel throughout the West Midlands, East Midlands, South West and Wales licence areas.

*Depending on experience, you may initially be appointed at a lower salary until all relevant courses and training are complete.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead and reinforce value-enhancing contractual partnering arrangements with a range of external service providers, including land agents, planning advisors, project managers and environmental consultants, which ensure the delivery of services throughout the life of projects.
• Manage a broad portfolio of key projects to ensure we are on target for the delivery of our ED2 programme. 
• Effective engagement with and between framework contractors, key stakeholders, colleagues in Network Design, Field Delivery, the ED Property Team, as well as other relevant staff/functions to ensure the effective, development and co-ordination of projects to meet programme deadlines. This will include the delivery of training and coaching to colleagues which facilitates optimal collaboration in framework relationships.
• Collaborate with NGED’s legal advisors, Purchasing Team and other specialists to ensure that maximal value is obtained from contractor relationships.
• Lead on contractor safety, monthly KPI performance, milestone delivery, contract escalation, risk management and commercial opportunities, contract change control, financial management, and relationship management.
• Lead on any customer and landowner complaints which arise as a result of contractor activities.
• Collaborate with Finance teams to develop reliable and accurate budgets, forecasts and cost controls for service contracts.
• Detailed understanding, knowledge and experience of consenting and land rights in relation to linear projects, so as to be able to deal with complex queries from contractors.
• Ensure our CRM data is accurate and reflects actual contract/project status.
• Share knowledge, coach and help in developing colleagues in the team
• Be able to work under pressure to ensure delivery to tight project timescales.
• Develop and implement processes which maintain visible and accessible communications between service providers and the Business, such as behavioural charters, frameworks, contract management plans, capability pathways and lessons learnt. Share good practices and reinforce positive behaviours.  
• Develop as required, strategies or plans for the design and delivery of large schemes or portfolios, working closely with project teams to identify key milestones, responsibilities and tasks. 
• Ensure requirements and set timescales for detailed design and planning requirements and work with relevant NGED teams to ensure that projects are developed and approved in a timely manner to meet timescales.  

The Ideal Candidate

You should be self-motivated and delivery focused, have excellent organisational skills and be able to react decisively under pressure, whilst ensuring you maintain consistently high standards.  The ability to communicate and influence effectively with a diverse range of people and teams, both internally and externally, is a key requirement to be successful in this role. 

You will have experience of undertaking similar activities or developing/managing larger projects is essential, as is a broad understanding of the NGED business.  

You will ideally be qualified with APM qualifications or experience in an appropriate discipline, applicable to the scope and responsibilities of the role.  A degree or equivalent in land management qualifications will be advantageous.

This role requires that you hold a full UK driving licence. 

If applicable evidence of relevant qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment.

National Grid Electricity Distribution is committed to safeguarding the interests of the Company, colleagues and customers. This role is subject to a satisfactory Barring Service, (DBS) check, depending on the role different levels of screening and vetting are required. Some roles require a triannual check.

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About The Company

Joining the UK’s leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition. So, as well as a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:

• 26 days paid leave plus 8 bank holidays, up to 28 days with continuous service
• Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)
• Annual Share Save plan
• Contributory private healthcare scheme for you and your family
• Support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services
• Free on-site parking at all our main sites

Things you need to know

As an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrate individual difference and are actively bringing in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture. We anonymise all applications in our recruitment system so we can eliminate unconscious bias and be a workplace that reflects the community we serve. Hiring managers only have access to necessary information at interview stage. If you require additional support to complete your online application, please email nged.recruitment@nationalgrid.co.uk

Recruitment correspondence is usually sent by email, please check your email account including spam/junk folders regularly after the closing date.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received, so it would be best to apply as soon as you can.