SWDWP Assistant Contract Manager

Temporary Contract

Job Details

Client: Plymouth City Council
Service Area: Growth / Street Services / Street Scene and Waste Services

Hours: 37 hours per week

Working Pattern:
Subject to service needs
Approx. 2 days per week in the office

Start Date: 27 July 2026
Duration: 80 weeks

Number of Roles: 2

Location

Main Work Base:
Devonport EfW CHP Facility
Creek Road
Plymouth
PL5 1FL

Pay

PAY Rate: £17.47 per hour

Job Overview

Plymouth City Council is seeking 2 SWDWP Assistant Contract Managers to support the South West Devon Waste Partnership contract management function.

The role will assist with the day-to-day contract management and administration of the Residual Waste Treatment Contract on behalf of Devon County Council, Torbay Council and Plymouth City Council, acting as the South West Devon Waste Partnership.

The successful candidates will help monitor contract performance, verify contractor data, support budget and payment processes, prepare reports, maintain contract records, coordinate meetings and support partnership communication activity.

This role requires contract management, business support, administration, data analysis, reporting, financial monitoring and stakeholder liaison experience, ideally within waste, environmental services, local government or a large service-based contract environment.

Important – Please Read Carefully

This is a commercial contract management and business support role within waste services.

Candidates must have experience supporting contract management, monitoring contractor performance, working with contract data, producing reports, supporting budgets and maintaining accurate records.

The role involves working with contractors, partner councils, internal officers and stakeholders, so strong communication, organisation and analytical skills are essential.

A Standard DBS is required for this role.

Candidates without contract management, business support, reporting, financial monitoring, data analysis or stakeholder coordination experience are unlikely to be considered.

Key Responsibilities

Assist with day-to-day management of the Residual Waste Treatment Contract
Support the SWDWP Contract Manager and Authority Representative
Monitor contractor performance and compliance
Verify contractor and SWDWP information, reports and records
Reconcile and verify tonnage data
Support administration of financial transactions linked to the contract
Ensure compliance with agreed contractual waste acceptance protocols
Prepare reports, advice and information for the Contract Manager, Authority Representative, Project Executive and partner councils
Collate, monitor and report on contract budgets and forecasts
Verify, audit and organise data records
Recommend payments due under the contract and between partner councils
Coordinate and provide administrative support for the contract management function
Organise partnership meetings, service liaison meetings, project meetings and joint committee activities
Develop and maintain procedures and controls for contract data and records
Maintain secure contract and partnership records
Manage communications, enquiries and complaints on behalf of SWDWP
Maintain strong working relationships with partner councils, the public, community groups and stakeholders
Coordinate, monitor and report communication activities on behalf of SWDWP
Liaise with waste education officers and partners to support educational activities
Support visits, meetings and activities where required
Monitor, control and report expenditure against agreed budgets
Raise issues and advise on implications and required actions
Support the delivery of contract management activities within agreed budgets and timescales

Essential Experience & Skills

Contract management experience
Business support and administration experience
Experience applying contract management knowledge to monitor and track contract performance
Experience managing or supporting client obligations, financial obligations, legal obligations and contractual interests
Experience analysing, interpreting and manipulating data in spreadsheets or reporting systems
Experience verifying, validating and producing summary reports
Experience of financial monitoring, budget management or budget reporting
Experience working independently and using own initiative
Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Excel and PowerPoint
Experience preparing professional written papers, minutes, presentations and spreadsheets
Ability to analyse and communicate complex information clearly
Ability to maintain accurate records and contract data
Ability to plan and prioritise workloads
Ability to organise meetings, events and partnership activity
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work with contractors, councils, stakeholders and external organisations
Ability to make fair, timely and evidence-based judgements
Good advocacy and negotiation skills
Ability to work to contractual, partnership and performance requirements
Awareness of information governance, data protection and confidentiality requirements

Qualifications / Knowledge

Essential:
Qualified to at least GCSE, A Level, NVQ Level 3/4 standard or equivalent in a relevant subject such as technical, literacy, numeracy or business management, with a demonstrable standard of literacy and numeracy.

Essential Knowledge:

Business management and administration requirements
Service-based environments involving multiple customers and members of the public
Project and/or contract management approaches
Contract performance tracking
Financial budget monitoring
Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint and reporting software
Management and financial accounting principles
Financial governance and financial controls

Desirable

Experience working in partnership environments with complex or conflicting priorities
Local government experience
Experience managing or administering large service-based contracts
Experience with PFI or PPP contracts
Experience in a high-value commercial environment
Experience auditing, verifying and recommending certification of large or complex financial transactions
Understanding of large service-based contracts
Degree level or equivalent qualification in waste, environmental, project management, business or engineering discipline
Project management or contract management qualification
Knowledge of the waste management industry and commercial practices
Understanding of legislative and statutory frameworks relating to waste
Experience working with Waste Disposal Authorities or Waste Collection Authorities

Additional Information

A Standard DBS is required for this role.

The interview will take approximately 45 minutes and will include a series of questions to understand experience and suitability for the role.

Interviews will be conducted by the SWDWP Contract Manager and Plymouth City Council Head of Disposal and Commercial.

Candidate submission deadline is 17 July 2026.

Disclaimer

On applying for this vacancy, you agree that your personal details will be passed onto our client for their consideration of your suitability for the role.

I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to notify Fix Space Recruitment Limited of any hirer who I do not want my details to be passed onto.

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