National Operational Contract Manager

Grade and SalaryC (80,356-120,534)

Job Description

We are Uisce Éireann. Every day, we are responsible for the delivery of secure, safe, and sustainable water services for the people of Ireland. As Ireland’s national regulated water utility, our vision is a sustainable Ireland where water is respected and protected, for the planet and all the lives it supports.

Our purpose at Uisce Éireann is to rise to the challenge of delivering transformative water services that enable communities to thrive. That means we are proud to take on the responsibility of protecting our water supply and passing on a safe and secure water system to a rapidly growing population and empowering Ireland’s social and economic growth.

So, we’re passionate about helping our people to do the best work of their lives, to enable them to make a positive difference to communities all over Ireland. Our aim is to attract and develop talented and skilled people with diverse backgrounds and an evolving range of expertise and insight. We believe that such a strong workforce will help us achieve our goals and allow us to continue investing in, and advancing, Ireland’s water services.

The Role

The Asset Operations function forms the cornerstone of service delivery to customers, protecting the environment and meeting regulatory standards as well as managing the majority of operational expenditure. The Asset Operations function has responsibility for operational and maintenance strategy, policies, planning and standard operating procedures for Water and Wastewater operations both nationally and regionally, ensuring that value for money and customer service is delivered. 

The Operations Support Team has responsibility for providing and managing effective business infrastructure and processes at a national level to support operational activities at site level. The Operational Commercial and Contract Management area is responsible for providing a range of related services supporting operational contract management and driving operational performance.

Reporting to the Operational Commercial & Contracts Senior Manager, the National Operational Contract Manager is responsible for the management of contract delivery and vendor performance across operational contracts and contracted service providers in the Asset Operations function. They will also be responsible for the provision of commercial support in the management of the Uisce Éireann framework of operational contracts and contractors. They are responsible for the contract management process within Uisce Éireann for external operational contracts in order to maximise value for money and ensure that the contract fully meets the needs of the business. They support the Asset Operations function in contract management for planned work as defined and agreed with Water and Waste Water Operations & Maintenance teams. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Overall responsibility for contract management and vendor performance across Asset Operations contracts and contracted service providers in the Asset Operations function.
• Provide commercial support in the management of the Uisce Éireann framework of operational contracts and contractors and provide contractual advice on claims, representation at adjudication/arbitration of disputes, where required.
• Responsible for liaising with all Asset Operations functional areas and contractors to address and resolve any contractual issues that may arise.
• Responsible for the management of the performance of operational contracts ensuring that the required levels of service and that their technical area is aligned with current legislation and tactical plans and strategies.
• Responsible for providing strategic insight to the Asset Operations Management team and key stakeholders on operational contract performance activities (and issues) against operational plans and targets.
• Responsible for the analysis of key trends and reporting of key findings while working closely with the Supply Chain and Transactional Services teams to address any payment, contractual or commercial issues. 
• Responsible for leading initiatives to improve Operational Contract Management processes and systems.
• Responsible for developing, establishing and maintaining a culture that meets the objectives of Uisce Éireann and in particular matters including Health and Safety, budgets, performance and customer service and efficiency plan for contract management savings from a contract management perspective.
• Overall responsibility for reviewing and updating supplier KPI’s to assess performance in conjunction with the Contracts Officers, providing feedback to the relevant suppliers and logistics providers and the business.
• Request feedback from suppliers and logistics providers on Uisce Éireann performance throughout the lifecycle of the contract, to support the Inventory Management Team in making decisions on how to improve performance. 
• Responsible for the monitoring and reporting of KPIs for the Operational Contract Management processes to meet the needs of Uisce Éireann and regulators, allowing meaningful comparison of the service provision and associated costs with other relevant service providers.
• Responsible for ensuring process compliance in relation to the adherence to HSQE plans, policies and procedures and corporate governance in relation to contract management.
• Responsible for managing the team budget and/or funding requirements associated with the role. Ensure that an accurate view of actual costs, commitments and forecasts against targets are available.
• Responsible for the management of all key activities within the Operational Contracts Management area and responsible for liaising with key stakeholders to ensure the needs of the business around operational contract management are being addressed. Reporting to the Asset Operations management team as required.
• Responsible for monitoring the performance management of contractors through setting relevant performance management targets.
• Responsible for building a high performing team by managing and developing the team members and for communicating all corporate and internal communications with the team as appropriate.
• Carry out any other duties deemed necessary and/or required which the Operational Commercial and Contract Management Manager may reasonably request.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaboration with key internal stakeholders across the UÉ business.
• Responsible for promoting and delivering health and safety commitments across UÉ and its supply chain, reinforcing positive behaviours and delivering health and safety objectives and requirements to the highest industry standards. 
• Support the delivery of the Uisce Éireann Transformation Programme, driving results required within the Directorate and supporting organisation-wide objectives.
• Provide visible leadership for your team, coaching and developing them to achieve their full potential and deliver business objectives, promoting collaboration and highlighting the behaviours that are expected from everyone in the team.
• Other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Relevant third level qualification and or accreditation is desirable 
• A minimum of 7 years experience in commercial contracts and contract management both from a client and contractor context
• Demonstrated leadership ability, proactive development, motivation and engagement of staff
• Experience managing a large team, with strong people, change management and conflict resolution skills
• Experience of developing and maintaining effective strategic partnerships with key stakeholders
• Proven track record with dealing with complex issues, proactively and in a timely fashion along with the ability to communicate complex information to others
• Experience of supporting policies, systems and controls and driving the implementation of progressive policies. 
• You will have a proven track record in leadership, change & transformation experience ideally in a similar utility, regulated industry or multi stakeholder environment 
• Able to work to deadlines and adapt to changing conditions and ambiguity generating effective and pragmatic solutions to new situations and problems as they are presented.
• Demonstrable experience of managing commercial contracts and frameworks
• Experience of successfully delivering results in a complex environment.
• Influence internal and external stakeholders to achieve business results, particularly in the field of contract management. 
• Financial management skills to ensure increased productivity, delivering efficiencies and effective operation whilst improving customer service.
• Understanding of the regulatory framework/environment and business drivers.
• Understanding and deployment of reputational management issues.
• High level of written and oral communication skills