Contract Support Lead

Contract Support Lead

📍 University of Leeds
🕒 Full-time | Permanent

The opportunity

Wates Property Services (WPS) are seeking an experienced Contract Support Lead to join our Facilities Management team, based on-site at the University of Leeds.

This is a key role within the contract, acting as the central point of coordination for administration, finance support, compliance, reporting and client communication. You'll work closely with the Contract Manager and wider operational teams to ensure the smooth, efficient and compliant delivery of FM services across this large and complex university estate.

Key responsibilities

As Contract Support Lead, your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the day-to-day contract support and administration function for the University of Leeds FM contract
• Acting as the primary administrative contact for the client and internal stakeholders
• Supporting the Contract Manager with reporting, performance data, KPIs and governance requirements
• Managing CAFM systems to ensure jobs, PPMs, compliance documentation and work orders are accurately logged and completed
• Overseeing financial administration, including purchase orders, invoicing, cost tracking and budget support
• Coordinating subcontractor administration, onboarding, approvals and documentation
• Ensuring compliance records (H&S, statutory, risk assessments) are maintained and audit-ready
• Producing monthly client reports and supporting contract review meetings
• Providing leadership and guidance to any contract support / administrative colleagues
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction

What we're looking for

Essential

• Proven experience in a Contract Support, Contract Administrator or Facilities Support Lead role
• Experience working within Facilities Management, estates or a similar service-led environment
• Strong knowledge of CAFM systems and FM reporting processes
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Confident communicator, able to engage professionally with clients and colleagues at all levels
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office (particularly Excel and Outlook)
• High attention to detail with a methodical and proactive approach

Desirable

• Previous experience working within higher education, public sector or large estates
• Experience supporting financial processes such as invoicing, POs and budget tracking
• Knowledge of statutory compliance within FM contracts
• Line management or coordination experience

Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. 

To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting