Contracts Manager

We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to join the Engineering Infrastructure - Contracts and Programme Management team within Infrastructure, Transport and Streetcare. The team supports the delivery of engineering infrastructure projects and programmes across the Council.

As Contracts Manager, you will provide contract and commercial management throughout the project lifecycle, helping project teams to procure and deliver services and works efficiently, transparently and in accordance with Council requirements.

Your daily routine will include:

• Providing financial and cost control across multiple engineering infrastructure projects, including budgets, forecasts, commitments, accruals and variance reporting.
• Preparing and managing procurement and tender documentation, including work undertaken through regional frameworks, in line with Contract Procedure Rules and funding requirements.
• Supporting project managers with NEC contract administration, including Early Warnings, Compensation Events, programmes, contractual correspondence and change control.
• Maintaining clear audit trails, reviewing contract documents, guarantees, bonds and final accounts, and ensuring records are accurate and audit-ready.
• Facilitating risk and value management activity to identify commercial, programme and delivery risks and opportunities for better value.
• Liaising with contractors, consultants, legal and procurement colleagues, technical teams, senior officers and other stakeholders, while supervising two Engineering Infrastructure Officers.

About You

• Substantial senior-level experience in contract, commercial or cost management, including responsibility for advising project managers and senior officers.
• Experience of managing multiple concurrent civil engineering or infrastructure schemes and working with external consultants, contractors and internal stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of NEC contracts, including contract administration and change management from pre-contract stage through to final account.
• Strong knowledge of financial control, cost forecasting, commercial risk management and the interpretation of cost data to support decision-making.
• Detailed working knowledge of public sector procurement, governance, Contract Procedure Rules and external funding or commercial compliance requirements.
• A relevant degree, such as Engineering, Construction, Quantity Surveying, Commercial or Cost Management, or equivalent professional competence gained through substantial relevant experience.
• Advanced numeracy and data analysis skills, comprehensive Excel experience, excellent communication skills and the ability to travel throughout the County Borough.
• A recognised commercial or cost management qualification, civil engineering or cost discipline qualification, construction framework management experience, public sector experience, CSCS accreditation, knowledge of MS Project or ISO 9001 would be advantageous.