Contract Manager

First Recruitment Group; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm seeks a Contract Manager for a long-term hybrid role in the UK, specializing in the mining industry. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing large-scale construction projects with a focus on both pre- and post-contract activities. This pivotal position involves overseeing teams, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, and maintaining high standards in project execution.

Qualifications

• Proven track record managing both pre-contract and post-contract processes.
• Experience in managing contracts for large-scale construction projects, preferably in the mining industry (minimum 2-3 years).
• Strong understanding of contractual risk, contract law, and standard forms.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Contracts/Subcontracts team assigned to allocated projects.
• Provide contract management expertise and leadership across all project stages.
• Oversee procurement processes and manage contract administration.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation

Communication

Team leadership

Risk management

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction, Engineering, or Law

Tools

MS Office

CRM systems

Collaboration tools (e.g., TEAMS)

Job description

Contract Manager

Location: UK (Hybrid must be able to attend client offices as required)

Duration: Long-term 2 years

Overview

We are currently recruiting for a Contract Manager to join one of our major clients in the UK on a hybrid basis. The role requires proven experience in the mining industry (minimum 2 3 years) and a strong track record in supporting large-scale projects (USD 1Bn+).

The purpose of the role is to provide contract management expertise at a senior level, ensuring effective pre- and post-award contracting activities in alignment with the Project Execution Plan and the client s Business Management Systems for Supply Chain activities.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in setting up, drafting, and approving contract plans and procedures, overseeing procurement processes for complex construction works, and managing a contracts team on high-value international projects.

Principal Duties

• Manage the Contracts/Subcontracts team assigned to allocated project(s).
• Provide contract management expertise and leadership across all project stages.

Specific Pre-Contract Activities

(Pre-Contract includes all activities performed in the home office prior to contract award.)

• Contribute to procurement strategy for construction works.
• Prepare and negotiate Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreements.
• Compile Solicitation and Expression of Interest documents.
• Conduct market analysis and prequalify contractors.
• Prepare Requests for Information, Requests for Proposal (RFP), and Invitations to Tender/Bid (ITT/B).
• Lead RFP/ITT/ITB kick-off and clarification meetings, including writing and issuing minutes.
• Compile individual contract plans, contract packages, and award recommendations.
• Perform commercial evaluations and facilitate bidder selection.
• Obtain securities, insurances, and key documentation pre-award and mobilisation.
• Review and approve the work of other team members as needed.

Post-Contract Activities (Contracts Administration)

(Post-Contract includes all activities from contract award to close-out.)

• Participate in pre-construction kick-off meetings and document outcomes.
• Manage contractor correspondence, site instructions, and change registers.
• Track and maintain securities (bonds, performance guarantees, insurance, etc.).
• Interpret and advise on contractual matters for the project team.
• Ensure timely and compliant submission of contractual deliverables by contractors.
• Administer and report through applicable project tools.
• Oversee compensation claims, back charges, contract amendments, and invoicing.
• Lead contractor progress meetings and risk review sessions.
• Conduct contractor performance evaluations and manage claims and disputes.
• Close out contracts, including financial reporting and archiving.

Authority and Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all internal policies, project governance, and contractual procedures.
• Optimize resource allocation within the project contracts team.
• Sign and approve all contractor correspondence, minutes, and documents within the Delegation of Authority framework.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, and environmental (HSE) compliance, reporting hazards, incidents, and unsafe conditions.
• Participate in accident investigations and uphold best practices in workplace safety.

Co-operation and Communication

The Contract Manager will liaise with:

• Contracts Director and Contracts/Subcontracts team members.
• Project Directors, Managers, Engineers, and Construction Supervisors.
• Project Control Engineers and QA teams.
• Subcontractor representatives and key customer stakeholders.
• Interface and information managers.

Qualifications

Education:

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction, Engineering, or Law (or equivalent).
• Professional membership (e.g., RICS) is preferred.

Expertise:

• Proven track record managing pre-contract and post-contract processes (tendering, award, administration, claims, dispute resolution).
• Experience managing contracts for large-scale construction projects, preferably in the mining industry (2 3 years minimum).
• Strong understanding of contractual risk, contract law, and standard forms (FIDIC, IChemE, NEC, LOGIC).
• Skilled in leading and managing contract teams.
• Proficiency in MS Office, CRM systems, and collaboration tools (e.g., TEAMS).
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to work in dynamic, complex environments.