Construction Contract Specialist – NEC4 & Procurement

United Utilities; England; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Pension contribution up to 14%

Performance bonus up to 10.5%

Flexible hybrid working

On-site 3 days a week

Job summary

United Utilities is seeking a Contract Formulation Professional to shape robust construction contracts and navigate procurement for major infrastructure programmes in the North West. You will lead contract documentation, advise on NEC4, manage tenders and collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Finance and Legal to ensure compliant, value-driven outcomes.

You will drive commercial risk management, support governance, and balance quality, cost and schedule in a fast-paced, site-fronted

Qualifications

• Significant experience developing and managing construction contracts with NEC4 knowledge.
• Strong knowledge of NEC4 is highly desirable.
• Experience running tender processes and evaluating technical and commercial submissions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Understanding of regulated procurement and contract law.
• Commercial negotiation skills balancing risk, value and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead creation, development and QA of sourcing and contract documentation.
• Shape contract structures, commercial terms and risk allocations for major programmes.
• Provide guidance on contract specifics, commercial risk and cross-business impacts.
• Ensure pre-contract activity aligns with regulatory requirements, including Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016.
• Manage end-to-end tendering processes: reviewing scopes, preparing data, issuing packs, evaluating bids and awarding.
• Develop robust contract packages, including clustered frameworks and one-off works.
• Ensure procurement activity is compliant and aligned with governance.
• Build relationships with Operations, Engineering, Finance, Legal and Regulatory Procurement.
• Act as the first point of contact for contract-related queries.
• Influence suppliers and contractors to promote best-practice commercial behaviour.

Skills

Contract formulation

Construction contracts

NEC4

Tender management

Commercial risk

Stakeholder management

Procurement law

Negotiation

Job description

United Utilities is seeking a Contract Formulation Professional to shape robust construction contracts and navigate procurement for major infrastructure programmes in the North West. You will lead contract documentation, advise on NEC4, manage tenders and collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Finance and Legal to ensure compliant, value-driven outcomes.

You will drive commercial risk management, support governance, and balance quality, cost and schedule in a fast-paced, site-fronted