Construction Contracts Lead (NEC) — Value & Disputes

Gatwick Airport Limited; Horley; Hybrid; GBP 88,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% Welcome Bonus

Flex Allowance £7,500

Bonus up to 30%

Free staff parking

Discounted rail travel

Share matching scheme

Healthcare

Life and disability insurance

Career progression

Job summary

Gatwick Airport Limited is seeking a Contracts Lead – Construction to shape contract strategy across major projects at London Gatwick, balancing live operations with robust governance.

You will lead NEC contract expertise, own standard templates, manage disputes, and work with procurement and legal teams to maximise value, cost control and timely delivery. Hybrid working with three days in the office.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in Construction Law, Commercial Management, or related field.
• Deep knowledge of NEC contracts and construction law.
• Experience managing contract claims and disputes in complex environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Experience supporting major infrastructure or capital programmes.
• Commercially astute with a track record delivering against challenging targets.
• Professional membership (e.g. RICS) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead contract expertise across the Construction team, supporting all contract forms with a focus on NEC.
• Own and continuously improve Gatwick's suite of standard contract templates.
• Provide assurance that contracts are clear, robust, and fit for purpose.
• Manage and resolve commercial queries, disputes, and escalations.
• Lead dispute resolution processes and meetings, ensuring optimal outcomes.
• Partner with the Construction Lawyer to ensure compliance and governance.
• Support procurement strategy by advising on the right contract approach for each project.
• Negotiate rates with consultants and contractors to achieve best market value.
• Deliver training and share best practice across programme teams.
• Identify opportunities to drive cost and programme efficiencies through effective contract use.
• Foster collaborative relationships across the supply chain to reduce disputes and enhance long-term value.

Skills

NEC contracts knowledge

Construction law

Contract claims management

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Project governance

Commercial awareness

Training delivery

Education

Degree in Construction Law, Commercial Management, or related field

Job description

Gatwick Airport Limited is seeking a Contracts Lead – Construction to shape contract strategy across major projects at London Gatwick, balancing live operations with robust governance.

You will lead NEC contract expertise, own standard templates, manage disputes, and work with procurement and legal teams to maximise value, cost control and timely delivery. Hybrid working with three days in the office.