Mears Group is seeking a Strategic Operations Director (Legal / Contractual) to join a newly established central specialist team focused on strengthening contractual governance, supporting commercial outcomes and enhancing operational decision-making across the business.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an individual with strong contractual expertise who can operate at the intersection of operational delivery, commercial performance and client relationship management.

Working across Mears' diverse contract portfolio, you will provide strategic guidance on contractual frameworks, governance, risk management and stakeholder engagement, helping to ensure contracts are delivered in line with both commercial objectives and client expectations.

• Provide strategic guidance on contractual obligations, governance and compliance
• Support operational and commercial teams in interpreting and applying contractual frameworks
• Advise on contractual risk management and commercial decision-making
• Build strong relationships with clients, partners and key stakeholders
• Review contract structures and identify opportunities to enhance commercial and operational outcomes
• Support bids, tenders, contract variations and procurement activity
• Contribute to contract mobilisation and transition programmes
• Strengthen governance, reporting and risk management processes
• Promote best practice and consistency across the organisation's contract portfolio

You will be a strategic and commercially aware leader with experience operating within complex contract-led environments.

You will bring:

• Significant experience interpreting and managing complex service contracts
• Strong understanding of contractual governance, compliance and risk management
• Experience within housing, property services, facilities management, infrastructure, outsourcing or public-sector environments
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills
• The ability to align contractual requirements with operational and commercial objectives
• Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking capability
• Experience supporting long-term client relationships and partnership-based service delivery

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence contractual governance and strategic decision-making across one of the UK's largest housing and property services organisations.

You will work alongside senior leaders across the business, helping to strengthen contractual capability, support long-term client partnerships and contribute to sustainable growth within a collaborative and values-led organisation.