ESA engineering
Contract Manager
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Role Overview
We are a growing consultancy establishing our presence in London and are looking for a Contract Manager to support the delivery of commercial management and cost advisory services to our clients through commercial, residential and fit-out projects.
This role will focus on early-stage cost planning, procurement and tendering, working closely with clients and design teams. It is suited to someone who is comfortable in a client-facing environment and wants to be part of a small, growing team, with the opportunity to take on greater responsibility as the business expands.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare cost plans and estimates across early project stages (RIBA 2–4)
- Advise clients on budgets, cost risks and value engineering opportunities
- Support and manage procurement strategies and tender processes
- Prepare tender documentation and carry out tender analysis and reporting
- Review contractor and subcontractor pricing for completeness and alignment with design information
- Identify commercial risks, gaps and opportunities within project documentation
- Produce clear commercial and cost reports for client and internal teams
- Work closely with architects, engineers and project managers to ensure cost alignment
Requirements
- Typically 8 years' post-graduate experience in quantity surveying and related activities, with significant time spent in client-side or contractor environments
- Proven track record on complex, high-value programmes across commercial, retail, or high-end residential sectors in London or the wider UK
- Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, Commercial Management, or a closely related discipline
- Deep working knowledge of JCT and NEC contract forms, including hands-on administration of compensation events, claims, and final accounts
- Demonstrable experience leading or significantly contributing to full tender processes, from pre-qualification through to contract award and negotiation
- Proven ability to scrutinise and challenge contractor cost submissions, valuations, prolongation claims, and final account settlements
- MRICS preferred; exceptionally strong candidates working towards chartership will be considered
- Right to work in the UK; sponsorship is not available for this role
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Desirable (not essential)
- Experience in commercial, residential or fit-out sectors
- Familiarity with CostX, Excel or similar tools
Benefits & Work-Life Support
ESA Engineering invests seriously in the people who help build We offer:
- 25 -Days Annual Leave
- 8 – UK Bank Holidays
- Company Pension
- SMART/ Hybrid working split between office, site and remote locations
- Private medical insurance
- eLearning platform
- Role Specific Professional Membership Fees
- Mental Health & Wellbeing Confidentiality Support
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ESA Engineering UK is committed to protecting your personal data. In applying for this role, we will process your personal information in accordance with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
For full details of how we collect, use, and store your data during the recruitment process — including your rights and how to exercise them — please read https://esaengineering.com/careers/information-notice-candidates/ before applying.
“ESA Engineering is an equal opportunities employer, committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all employees are encouraged to reach their full potential, and where individual differences are valued and respected. We consider applications on merit and suitability for the role and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to evidence this before employment commences. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Right-to-work checks will be conducted consistently in accordance with Home Office guidance.”
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