Senior Contract Operations Manager

Location(s) – London (You would need to be in the office at least 3 days a week) About the role Join one of the UK’s most important critical communications programmes and play a key role in supporting the future of our emergency services. The Emergency Services Network (ESN) is a major strategic priority for BT, transforming how Britain’s emergency services communicate. Through EE’s network, we’re delivering secure and resilient voice, video and data connectivity that helps frontline teams stay connected when it matters most. As part of the ESN Commercial team, you’ll help provide the commercial foundations that keep this complex programme running effectively. Working closely with colleagues and stakeholders across BT, you’ll bring structure, insight and consistency to contractual commitments, governance, change and performance, helping us make informed decisions, manage risk and deliver against our commitments. It’s an opportunity to contribute to a programme with genuine national impact, while supporting BT’s ambition to build the best, most trusted digital network and become the UK’s most trusted connector. The successful candidate must be willing to undergo BPSS-level government screening, which requires at least three years of continuous residence in the UK. What you’ll be doing Define and manage contract strategies from mobilisation through delivery and renewal. Interpret and apply contractual, statutory and regulatory requirements. Lead commercial change control; prevent and defend claims; resolve disputes. Maintain the commercial risk register; quantify impacts, provisions and opportunities. Provide accurate Management Information on obligations, performance, risks and variances. Collaborate to gather inputs across technology, service, finance, PMO and suppliers. Use data/analytics to spot trends, prevent leakage and improve performance. Standardise contract management practices, playbooks and controls. Accountable for the Obligations tracker Essential Skills / Experience Advanced contract strategy and lifecycle management experience within complex programmes. Proven Legal and regulatory expertise; confident in interpreting and operationalising commitments. Proven Risk management and financial insight experience with strong planning/reporting discipline. Desirable Skills / Experience Cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management. Supply chain awareness—vertical and horizontal back-to-back design Strong negotiation and influencing skills Legal/commercial qualifications desirable (e.g., law degree, IACCM/WorldCC). Significant experience in public sector or regulated environments Our Package Tailored benefits make a real difference. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range to support your growth, wellbeing, and everyday life. You can design the package to suit you and your lifestyle. Your core benefits include: Company car scheme (or cash alternative) 15% on target annual bonus Private healthcare for you and your family Access to an online private GP 24/7 for you and your immediate family Market-leading paid carers leave with up to 2 weeks off Equalised maternity, paternity, and adoption leave – 18 weeks’ full pay and 8 weeks’ half pay Discounted EE and BT products, including mobile and broadband Market leading Pension scheme – 5% from you and 10% from us Holiday purchase scheme You can select additional benefits, including healthcare, dental, gym memberships and more when you’re ready.