Contract Specialist

Anglian Water Services; Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water services provider in the UK is seeking an experienced Construction Contract Specialist for a key role in managing ambitious infrastructure projects. This full-time position offers the flexibility of hybrid working from the Peterborough office. The ideal candidate will have a law degree, solid experience with NEC contracts, and proven contract management skills. You will influence contract performance and legal compliance while fostering relationships with contractors. Enjoy benefits like private health care, annual leave, and a competitive pension scheme.

Benefits

Personal private health care

26 days annual leave

Flexible working

Competitive pension scheme

Bonus scheme

Flexible benefits for wellbeing

Qualifications

• Solid legal background with experience in construction contracts.
• Extensive knowledge of NEC3 and NEC4 contract forms.
• Strong contract management expertise.

Responsibilities

• Develop, draft, and review a range of procurement contracts.
• Oversee negotiations and manage complex contractual issues.
• Identify, manage, and resolve contractual issues proactively.
• Provide expert guidance on contract management best practices.
• Build relationships with stakeholders and develop training modules.

Skills

Contract Management

Negotiation

Dispute Resolution

Stakeholder Engagement

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Law degree or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Salary Circa £55k, salary depending on skills and experience

Permanent

Peterborough Office / Hybrid working

Full time, 37 hours a week

Anglian Water offers a flexible approach, this role offers you the flexibility to work from home, and from an Anglian Water office. Your primary location will be Anglian Water's office based in Thorpewood, Peterborough.

Shape the Future of Construction Delivery — One Contract at a Time

As a Construction Contract Specialist, you’ll play a pivotal role at the heart of our multi-billion-pound Investment Programme, influencing how we deliver some of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the region. This is your opportunity to make a real impact — shaping the legal, commercial, and strategic frameworks that keep our construction partnerships performing at their best.

You’ll take ownership of developing and steering the legal and commercial aspects of a wide range of contracts, from construction agreements to development deals and power purchase agreements. Your expertise will guide the design of innovative commercial models and ensure that every contract we put in place drives value, mitigates risk, and supports our long‑term goals.

In this role, you’ll lead on drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contract terms; providing expert advice throughout the tender process; managing relationships with Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors; and ensuring full compliance with legal, regulatory, and project‑specific requirements. You’ll also be a key figure in proactively managing contract risk, resolving contract‑related issues, and deploying effective dispute‑avoidance techniques.

What will you be doing?

Contract Drafting & Review (30%)

Develop, draft, and review a range of procurement contracts and frameworks (primarily NEC but also including other forms such as FIDIC, IChemE, etc.), ensuring they are robust, compliant, and fit for purpose. Lead on commercial model design and manage the drafting, negotiation, and delivery of the most complex contractual agreements.

Negotiation & Contract Management (20%)

Oversee negotiations and manage complex contractual issues, including pre‑dispute resolution across Alliance and Tier 2 contracts. Provide specialist advice and ad hoc contract development support to the legal team.

Dispute Avoidance & Risk Management (15%)

Proactively identify, manage, and resolve contractual issues to prevent escalation into formal disputes. Monitor supply chain risks, analyse contract data, and implement targeted mitigation strategies.

Commercial Advice & Support (20%)

Offer expert guidance on NEC and other contract forms, supporting best practice contract management to drive positive outcomes across capital delivery. Assist project teams with complex issues, ensure compliance with contract obligations, and drive continuous improvement through insights and contract alerts.

Stakeholder Engagement (15%)

Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, contributing to boards and delivery forums. Support teams through training, coaching, and sharing best practice. Develop training modules, future‑state process maps, and standard templates to uplift contract management capability across the organisation.

As a valued employee, you’ll be entitled to:

• Personal private health care
• 26 days annual leave
• Flexible working
• Competitive pension scheme – Anglian Water double‑matches your contributions up to 6%
• Bonus scheme
• Flexible benefits to support your wellbeing and lifestyle.

What does it take to be a Construction Contract Specialist?

We’re seeking a highly skilled construction contract professional with a solid legal background (ideally a Law degree or equivalent) and extensive experience working with industry‑standard contract forms, particularly the NEC3 and NEC4 suites. You’ll bring deep knowledge of construction law, strong contract management expertise, and experience in dispute resolution and alternative dispute practices.

You’ll thrive in a fast‑paced, delivery‑focused environment — someone with excellent communication and interpersonal skills who can build strong relationships and influence at all levels. Analytical, commercially astute, and solutions‑driven, you’ll be confident drafting complex contracts, challenging assumptions, and making sound decisions.

A collaborative team player, you’ll combine flexibility with a proactive mindset, taking ownership of your own development while supporting the growth of others. Strong IT capability (especially MS Office) and the ability to motivate, guide, and positively impact outcomes will round out your profile.

Why Apply?

Join us at a pivotal moment in our investment programme and play a direct role in shaping major infrastructure projects that will benefit communities for generations. You’ll influence high‑value contracts, solve complex commercial challenges, and work at the heart of a highly collaborative, purpose‑driven organisation.

Closing date: 15th December 2025

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