Contracts Manager

Legal Contracts Manager - (Compliance & Governance)

• Location: London
• Salary: Competitive

We are seeking a dedicated Legal Contracts Manager - (Compliance & Governance) to lead on contractual and regulatory compliance under the National Rail Contract (NRC). This role is crucial for ensuring that all Shadow Operator obligations are managed, evidenced, and adhered to from a legal, governance, and contract-management perspective.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Lead on tracking, interpreting, and delivering all contractual obligations under the NRC, ensuring products and outputs are delivered in accordance with agreed scope and contractual commitments.
• Provide assurance that any proposed changes affecting contractual deliverables within the Accepted and Transitional Programme are lawfully managed, controlled, and compliant from a contract perspective.
• Maintain an accurate, up-to-date repository of all franchise-related contractual correspondence within the Contract Management System.
• Work collaboratively across internal teams to improve understanding of the NRC, gather compliance evidence, and ensure clear alignment with contractual obligations.
• Maintain effective working relationships with relevant government stakeholders.
• Act as the internal champion for all compliance matters relating to the Shadow Operator function.
• Develop expert knowledge of the NRC and serve as the primary compliance lead for all Shadow Operator activities.
• Ensure full organisational compliance with NRC requirements, including maintaining the compliance framework, monitoring core contractual deliverables, and reviewing the Overarching Requirements framework and internal controls.
• Manage end-to-end processes for Contract Changes, Variations, and Derogations.
• Lead on the implementation, use, and continuous improvement of the Contract Management System (CMS) across relevant teams.
• Take a proactive approach to contractual risk management, producing tailored risk reporting for internal leadership and external government bodies to demonstrate compliance.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven experience in contract management or compliance, preferably within the rail or transportation sector.
• Strong understanding of legal, governance, and contractual obligations.
• Ability to interpret complex contracts and legal documents.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of maintaining strong relationships.
• Proficient in the use of contract management systems and compliance frameworks.
• Knowledge of corporate governance controls and procedures, including finance, procurement, business ethics, and data protection law (including GDPR).

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Dynamic and supportive work environment.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Pension scheme and other financial benefits.

To apply for the Legal Contracts Manager - (Compliance & Governance), please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role.