Contract Manager - Local Government

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Gymflex benefits

Thrive wellbeing programme

Menopause support package

Job summary

WSP Local Government in Wales is seeking a Contract Manager to lead delivery of NEC4-based contracts with Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend Councils, driving collaboration, risk management and continuous improvement.

You will report to the Regional Director, build trusted client relationships, oversee contract milestones and KPIs, and identify opportunities for growth across the portfolio. Hybrid working available with strong focus on delivering transport and infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering technical Local Government services.
• Experience leading high-performing teams and influencing others.
• Knowledge and experience of working with NEC4 contracts.
• Ability to build authentic, trusting relationships with stakeholders and teams.
• Passion for developing collaborative client and partner relationships and delivering value.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients and internal teams.

Skills

Contract management

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Leadership

NEC4 contracts

Job description

Job Description

What if you could shape a career as unique as you?

At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

Closing Date: Friday 11th September 2026

A Little More About Your Role...

We are looking for a Contract Manager to join our WSP Local Government team in Wales. This is a strategic role with responsibility for building, maintaining, and developing relationships with our clients, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend Councils.

Reporting to the Regional Director, you will ensure the effective delivery of contract / partnership objectives, drive business growth, and support organisational priorities, through collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

You will be joining a team that are committed to delivering impactful transport and infrastructure projects across the region. Under our collaborative contract, WSP work closely with the Councils to improve highways, flood resilience, active travel routes, and support regeneration schemes; ensuring communities are better connected and protected from severe weather events. As a Contract Manager you will work collaboratively internally and externally to ensure that our contract is delivered effectively.

Responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining a strong, trust-based relationships with clients and internal teams.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all contract/partnership matters
• Ensuring NEC4 contract compliance, governance and risk management
• Lead regular meetings with the client team to review progress, address issues, and identify new opportunities across the entire WSP portfolio.
• Utilising your wider network to provide your clients with the best of WSP. Identify, create, and pursue opportunities for business growth and cross-functional collaboration.
• Lead contract negotiations, contract management and the delivery of contract promises.
• Responsible for the delivery of contract projects, ensuring milestones, KPIs, and outcomes are achieved.
• Undertake PM / PD roles as appropriate for the risk profile and technical expertise of a project.
• Drive innovation, social value and continuous improvement within contract delivery. This includes brining knowledge from other contracts and parallel sectors to your contract.
• Support the professional development of team members and partners.

We'd Love To Hear From You If You Have

• Experience in the successful delivery of technical Local Government services
• Experience of leading high performing teams with the ability to influence and motivate others
• Knowledge and experience of working with NEC4 contracts
• The ability to build authentic, trusting relationships with stakeholders and your team
• A passion for developing collaborative relationships with clients and partners and finding ways to add significant value and deliver transformational change
• Excellent inter-personal skills with good leadership and management abilities; capable of communicating effectively with all parts of Local Government and the wider WSP business
• Desire to constantly improve, motivate and encourage others; lead and implement change programmes; inspiring colleagues and driving an innovative and supportive culture.
• Experience of managing a P&L, along with associated financial and commercial business contributions.
• Strategic Thinking and Direction – motivated, forward thinking, capable of visualising and planning for the longer term. Designs, communicates, engages and drives the implementation of design and technical initiatives and strategies.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.