Contract and Compliance Business Partner

If you are passionate about procurement and working for a double national award-winning team, look no further!

Following the devolution of powers to the WMCA, our procurement team has developed and expanded to ensure public money is well spent, and key deliverables are upheld. As part of this development, we have now created a new Contract and Compliance team, reporting into the Head of Procurement.

As this is a newly created role, you will play a pivotal part in shaping and leading a team of contract and compliance professionals, responsible for embedding a consistent, organisation-wide approach to contract management that ensures full compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 across all WMCA directorates.

You will lead the development of a proactive, solutions-focused contract compliance service, working closely with internal stakeholders to drive a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. This is a strategic leadership role that combines operational oversight with team development, ensuring that WMCA’s contract management practices align with best practices and deliver value for money.

What you will be doing.

• Lead the development and implementation of a consistent, organisation-wide contract management approach, ensuring compliance with legislation and best practices.
• Act as the senior contact for internal teams and external stakeholders, driving initiatives that support WMCA’s strategic procurement goals.
• Manage and support a contract compliance team, ensuring professional development and high performance.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, benchmarking contract management performance against national standards.
• Facilitate training and engagement activities across directorates to build contract management capability.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and internal frameworks, including the Procurement Act 2023 and WMCA policies.
• Identify and deliver efficiencies and savings through improved contract arrangements and management.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Finance, Legal, and other stakeholders to ensure contracts are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance.
• Provide regular, accurate reporting and insights to senior leadership, including progress updates and strategic recommendations.
• Deputise for the Head of Procurement and represent WMCA professionally in all relevant forums when required.

What’s essential.

• Degree or equivalent in relevant field (e.g. MCIPS).
• Experience of managing a team.
• Demonstrable commercial outlook.
• Commercial experience, demonstrating the ability to develop contract management strategies (using appropriate tools and techniques).
• Effective collaboration with internal teams, with a view of developing and improving the service.
• Ability to build credibility with key stakeholders and obtain their ‘buy in’.
• Able to effectively present information, proposals and ideas whilst engaging the audience and clearly communicating the benefits of change.
• Ability to communicate and negotiate with third parties, external stakeholders and others with a relationship with WMCA to ensure the optimum outcome.
• Track record of ability to deliver against targets.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office, Outlook and similar systems.
• Report writing skills, presenting, commercial analysis and negotiating skills.
• Communication skills along with the confidence to interface with senior colleagues and stakeholders internal and external.
• Knowledge of relevant legislative frameworks. (PCR2015, PA2023 etc).
• Ability to understand complex technical or legislative information and relay this back to non-specialist colleagues.
• Evidence of continued professional development.

Location.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply.

Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. it’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team ([email protected]).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more), giving you have ample time to relax.
• Ethical saving options and healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).