Contracts Manager

Contract Manager - Leasehold Buildings

Location: Southwark

Salary: £269.00 PAYE / £350.00 Umbrella Ltd (per day)

Contract: Temporary

We are currently recruiting on behalf of a well-established housing association for an experienced Contract Manager to join its Commercial and Managing Agent Team. This specialist role focuses on overseeing leasehold buildings and managing relationships with freeholders, managing agents and external property management companies. The successful candidate will ensure that contractual and leasehold obligations are met, that services are delivered effectively, and that the housing association receives value for money.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse and manage leasehold and property management agreements.
• Ensure external managing agents and freeholders fulfil their contractual responsibilities.
• Work closely with internal teams including Legal, Finance, Property Charges and Housing.
• Review and interpret leasehold agreements, management agreements and contractual terms.
• Monitor the performance of managing agents and freeholders against agreed service levels and contractual obligations.
• Conduct audits and inspections to verify delivery of property management, maintenance and repair obligations.
• Review service charges and financial management practices to ensure costs are reasonable, transparent and provide value for money.
• Identify and challenge contractual breaches, poor performance and unauthorised changes or works.
• Provide advice and guidance to internal teams on responsibilities and limitations under leasehold agreements.
• Manage and resolve disputes between the housing association, freeholders, managing agents and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Legal and Finance teams on contractual matters and negotiations.
• Produce performance reports and updates for senior management.
• Identify opportunities to improve performance, drive efficiencies and deliver value for money.
• Keep up to date with relevant legislation, regulation and best practice relating to leasehold and property management.

Qualifications

• Experience managing property, leasehold or managing agent contracts.
• Strong understanding of leasehold agreements and residential property management.
• Experience working with freeholders, managing agents or external property management companies.
• Ability to interpret complex contractual documentation and identify responsibilities and obligations.
• Experience reviewing service charges, property costs or financial information.
• Strong negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage disputes and challenge poor performance professionally.
• Strong analytical and organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with Legal, Finance and Property teams.