Contracts Manager

Role Overview

The Contracts Manager will lead the administration and commercial management of contracts across our projects, ensuring contractual compliance, proactive risk management and effective delivery of contractual obligations throughout the project lifecycle. This role will act as the primary point of contact for contract interpretation, claims, variations and procurement strategy, working closely with project teams, clients and the commercial function to protect the company’s position and support successful project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full contract administration process for assigned projects, including contract mobilisation, governance, and closure in accordance with company procedures and contractual terms.

• Provide commercial and contractual advice to project teams, clients and the supply chain on matters such as scope, obligations, risks, liabilities and change control.

• Prepare, issue and maintain contract documentation such as notices, claims, variation notices, extensions of time and correspondence to preserve contractual entitlements.

• Assess and quantify variations, compensation events and claims; prepare supporting submissions, commercial recommendations and negotiation strategies for senior stakeholders.

• Administer subcontract and supply agreements, ensuring terms are implemented, milestones are monitored and payment provisions are correctly applied.

• Develop and maintain contract registers, risk logs and audit-ready records within the Document Management System (DMS) to ensure transparency and traceability of decisions.

• Support procurement activities by preparing contract documentation, evaluating tender returns, advising on commercial terms and assisting in contract award negotiations.

• Lead dispute avoidance and resolution activities, liaising with legal advisors where necessary and coordinating internal stakeholders to achieve timely and pragmatic outcomes.

• Provide training and guidance to project teams on contract processes, obligations and best practice to improve contractual performance and reduce risk exposure.

• Prepare commercial reports, forecasts and KPI updates for management, highlighting contractual risks, opportunities and recommended mitigation actions.

• Attend project meetings, produce minutes, manage contractual action logs and ensure timely communication of contractual matters to relevant parties.

• Ensure compliance with company procedures for health & safety, quality and data security in all contract activities.

Requirements

• Proven experience in contract management within construction, ideally gained with a main contractor, developer or consultancy.

• Comprehensive knowledge of standard forms of contract, change control procedures and entitlement principles (e.g. JCT, NEC or equivalent).

• Strong commercial acumen with experience preparing and assessing claims, variations and contractual notices.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex contractual positions clearly to clients, project teams and senior management.

• Organised and methodical, with experience maintaining contract registers, DMS records and audit trails.

• Proficient user of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook; experience with contract management systems and DMS is desirable.

• Strong negotiation skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.

• Relevant professional qualification or membership (or equivalent experience) in construction, law, commercial management or contract administration is advantageous.

Rewards & Benefits

• A competitive and attractive rewards package, including pension scheme, professional subscription support and additional company benefits.

• Opportunities for professional development, training and long-term career progression within the company.

Diversity & Inclusion at Walls Construction

At Walls Construction, we believe diversity strengthens our business and inclusion fosters innovation. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported, and valued.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, or membership of the Travelling community.

Reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process are available on request.