Contracts Officer

Contracts Officer

Closing date: 25th May 2026

Salary: £28,598 - £32,061 per annum

The Contract Management team leads the management of multiple maintenance contracts within the Highway's service.  This includes all related performance management, payment applications and ensuring contractor compliance against the clauses and terms and conditions as specified in the contracts.

We’re looking for a highly organised and strongly analytical individual to support the continuous improvement of contract management processes. This role requires a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to communicate findings and recommendations clearly to stakeholders and colleagues.

It’s a high paced and varied area of work which requires project management skills and flexibility in work style to assist the team as necessary. If you would like to be a part of this and you think you have the skills required for this role, then we would love to hear from you!

Role summary

You’ll be playing a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and compliance of contracts managed by Somerset Council. Your role will be supporting the highway contracts team as required and working closely with various departments to ensure that all contractual obligations are met. You’ll be identifying discrepancies and areas for improvement, ensuring that the Council’s resources are being utilised effectively.

What you’ll do - key responsibilities

• Support the Contracts team on daily tasks / activities, as required by the service manager.
• Identify and report on discrepancies, inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
• Provide guidance and support to departments on contract management best practices.
• Collaborate with various departments to gather necessary information and documentation for audits.
• Monitor the implementation of recommendations and ensure that all contractual obligations are met.

What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills

Essential

• In-depth understanding of contract management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations governing public sector contracts.
• Familiarity with auditing standards and methodologies.
• Proven experience in contract auditing or a related field, including experience in conducting audits and preparing detailed reports.
• A degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel.

Desirable

• Awareness of risk management principles.
• Understanding of financial management and budgeting.
• Knowledge of Local Government structure and operations.
• Experience working within a public sector organisation.
• Experience in risk assessment and management.
• Experience in developing and implementing policies and procedures.
• Experience in using audit management software.
• Professional certification or qualification in auditing, contract management or risk management, or membership in a relevant professional body.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and policies.
• Proficiency in audit management software.

Additional Information  

• This is a full-time role working 37 hours per week, with occasional requirements for evening or weekend work.
• 28 days of annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
• This role involves frequent travel across rural areas of Somerset.

• Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Nitin Sharma, Service Manager – Contracts via email at nitin.sharma@somerset.gov.uk  

A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.