Contracts Manager

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences.

At Diamond we are currently undertaking a major upgrade of the facility, known as Diamond-II. Diamond-II will combine a new machine and new beamlines with a comprehensive series of upgrades to optics, detectors, sample environments, sample delivery capabilities and computing, which will ultimately generate an even more brilliant light source at a higher energy. 

About the Role

We now have an opportunity for a Contracts Manager to join our small Procurement team on a 5-year fixed term basis, reporting to the Head of Procurement. The role holder will:

Work closely with our Technical and Scientific teams to ensure that contracts for Diamond-II are monitored and then delivered on time, ensuring successful outcomes.
Manage supplier relationships to ensure their performance is in line with expectations and resolve disputes to ensure a satisfactory outcome is achieved, while working closely with Diamond staff
Carry out supplier visits in the UK and overseas to check conformance with specification and schedule
Collate visit and monthly report information, reporting to Senior Management on supplier progress and providing strategies to deal with any issues.
Develop supplier relationships to ensure the supply chain works to meet Diamond’s objectives
Management of changes to contracts including compliance with EU regulations and Diamond Project ManagementThe role will involve some UK and international travel to visit suppliers.

As this role requires considerable interaction with teams across Diamond, the successful candidate will be required to be based on-site. 

About You

The successful candidate will have significant contract management experience and an established track record managing high value and/or complex contracts, preferably in a technically challenging environment as well as knowledge and experience in the following areas:

Managing suppliers (UK and overseas)
Supply chains
Supply transport routes
Professional, legal and ethical standards required in the role and ability to work within these.The ability to build relationships with colleagues and suppliers is vital, along with the ability to have difficult yet professional conversations.

A driving license and your own transport is desirable due to the travel required. 

Benefits

Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable. 

To Apply

Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.

The closing date for applications is 7th September 2025, with interviews taking place onsite on 30th September 2025