Contract Manager

Waterman Group; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Waterman Group is seeking a Contract Manager to lead commercial operations across multidisciplinary infrastructure projects, ensuring profitability and effective risk management. The role entails overseeing NEC/JCT/ACE contracts, managing variations and payments, and coordinating with clients, contractors, and internal teams.

The successful candidate will have a degree in Quantity Surveying or Civil Engineering, with NEC4/ACE knowledge, strong leadership, and a track record of delivering value

Qualifications

• Understanding NEC, JCT, and ACE forms of contract; emphasis on PSC in NEC suite.
• Ability to run workshops to upskill teams on payment and NEC.
• Experience with multi-disciplinary teams and payment/variation mechanisms under client appointments.
• Knowledge of Construction Act payment provisions and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead contract administration across infrastructure projects.
• Manage commercial risks, ensure profitability and timely payment.
• Run regular workshops with project teams on NEC practices.
• Develop commercial opportunities and maintain stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Contract management

NEC contracts

Negotiation

Education

Quantity Surveying degree

Civil Engineering degree

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

A-Site

Job description

Make a Real Impact - Shape the Future of Infrastructure At Waterman Group, we're not just delivering projects, we're shaping a more sustainable, intelligent, and resilient built environment. This is more than a technical role, it's your chance to lead, influence and be part of a business committed to innovation, net-zero outcomes, and meaningful transformation. Purpose of Role: The Contract Manager at Waterman Group plays a pivotal role in driving the financial and strategic success of multidisciplinary engineering and environmental consultancy projects. This role is responsible for overseeing commercial operations, ensuring profitability, and managing risk across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure, urban regeneration, and sustainability-focused developments. Working collaboratively with project teams, clients, and stakeholders, the Contract Manager ensures that contracts are effectively managed, and commercial opportunities are maximised. Essential Criteria Qualifications &Professional Memberships Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, and / or Civil Engineering or a relevant discipline, or relevant equivalent experience. NEC4 ECC Project Accreditation, Prince2, or APM Project Management Qualification would be desirable. Chartered membership of an appropriate professional institution. Experience Fully understands the NEC, JCT, and ACE forms of contract including pricing options, with is a particular emphasis on the PSC document in the NEC suite both short and long form and the differences in NEC 3 and 4 and the commercial differences between each. Ability to develop others and enable exposure of challenging packages of work throughout the wider team, sharing skills and experience. Able to run regular workshops with the wider Waterman Group teams upskilling colleagues regarding payment and the NEC in general. Demonstrable working understanding, knowledge and experience of NEC Contracts, Methods of measurement, Change control under NEC and General finance / payment processes in particular issuing and tracking all Early Warning Notices and Compensation Events. Background working with multi-disciplinary teams across clients, contractors and sub-consultants. Ability to understand the payment and variation mechanisms of bespoke client appointments (usually drafted by client lawyers) to ensure we are paid timeously and in the event of default of payment we have a clear contractual route to recovery. An understanding of the payment's provisions of the Construction Act. Working for/with contractors as well as clients/employers, and other members of the supply chain. Proven experience of leading, inspiring, motivating, influencing and managing performance of a team. Evidence of having developed commercial opportunities, models and activities. Experience of developing strong, effective and beneficial relationships both internal and external to the organisation. Knowledge Knowledge of approaches to achieve broad skills development and cultural change. Strong understanding of commercial practices, tools, techniques and approach and how these can be embedded into processes and organisational culture. In depth and full understanding of the NEC, JCT and ACE (not as regularly used) and the emphasis on the professional services documents in the various suites. Experience of working project management and scheduling tools including Primavera P6 or MS Project for programme and contingency planning. Together with familiarity with common data environments such as A-Site, CEEMAR, Fastdraft, or Asset Management Software. Basic legal knowledge relevant to appointments. Skills & Competencies Ability to engage successfully across a range of stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes. Demonstrable experience of sound judgement, awareness of external environment and astuteness. Able to constructively challenge and substantiate decisions. Able to negotiate positively. Clarity of thought, ability to think and translate ideas into realised benefits across the organisation Understanding and application of risk protocols commensurate to the activity. Able to bring in relevant risk appetite to achieve outcomes Strong ownership and self-belief to confidently overcome barriers and explain principles and decisions to a broad range of stakeholders Excellent communication skills - verbal, written, active listening - and the ability to adapt style as needed Why Join Us? Deliver projects that shape communities and contribute to the net-zero agenda. Develop your leadership profile while mentoring others and influencing strategy. Be part of a collaborative team that values expertise, curiosity, and integrity. We value work-life balance and support flexible arrangements.