Contracts Manager

Nicholas Associates Group Limited; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career progression

Professional development

Job summary

Nicholas Associates Group Limited is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to lead commercial and contractual management on high‑value civil engineering projects. You will review, negotiate and administer contracts, manage risks and variations, and protect client and company interests.

Based in Birmingham, the role requires knowledge of NEC/JCT contracts, excellent stakeholder management and the ability to deliver safely, on time and within budget. A relevant qualification is desirable.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Contracts Manager role within construction, civil engineering or related infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of NEC and/or JCT forms of contract.
• Experience across Infrastructure, Energy & Data, Highways, Structures and Rail.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the contractual and commercial aspects of multiple construction and civil engineering projects.
• Review, negotiate and administer contracts, including main contracts and subcontract agreements.
• Identify, assess and mitigate contractual, commercial and financial risks.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms, conditions, specifications and legislation.
• Manage variations, compensation events, extensions of time, claims and contractual notices.
• Monitor project performance, costs, budgets and commercial forecasts.
• Provide contractual advice and guidance to project teams and senior management.

Skills

NEC/JCT contracts

Stakeholder management

Contract negotiation

Contractual risk assessment

Education

Relevant qualification in construction management, quantity surveying or commercial management

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to join a leading civil engineering contractor delivering complex projects across a range of sectors.

This is an excellent opportunity for a driven professional to take responsibility for the successful commercial and contractual management of projects, ensuring they are delivered safely, on time, within budget and in accordance with contractual obligations.

Working closely with operational, commercial and senior management teams, you will play a key role in managing contractual risk, protecting commercial interests and maintaining strong relationships with clients, subcontractors and other stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the contractual and commercial aspects of multiple construction and civil engineering projects.
• Review, negotiate and administer contracts, including main contracts and subcontract agreements.
• Identify, assess and mitigate contractual, commercial and financial risks.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms, conditions, specifications and relevant legislation.
• Manage variations, compensation events, extensions of time, claims and contractual notices.
• Monitor project performance, costs, budgets and commercial forecasts.
• Work collaboratively with project managers, quantity surveyors and site teams to support successful project delivery.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Provide contractual advice and guidance to project teams and senior management.
• Support dispute avoidance and resolution, ensuring contractual issues are addressed promptly and effectively.
• Ensure appropriate contract records, correspondence and documentation are maintained.
• Promote high standards of health, safety, quality and environmental compliance throughout project delivery.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Proven experience in a Contracts Manager role within construction, civil engineering or a related infrastructure environment.
• A strong understanding of construction contracts, including NEC and/or JCT forms of contract.
• Demonstrable experience in Infrastructure, Energy & Data, Highways, Structures and Rail
• Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to interpret complex contractual information and provide clear, practical advice.
• Strong commercial awareness and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities across multiple projects.
• A sound understanding of construction health and safety requirements and industry best practice.
• A relevant qualification in construction management, quantity surveying, commercial management or a related discipline is desirable.

What's on Offer

• A competitive salary, reflective of your skills and experience.
• The opportunity to work on challenging and varied construction and civil engineering projects.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.