Contracts Manager

Fairmead Managed Services LTD; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contractor in the sector seeks a Contracts Manager in Cambridge to oversee complex projects in healthcare, accommodation, and education. You will lead contract administration, manage commercial performance, and prepare claims while ensuring stakeholder satisfaction. The ideal candidate has robust experience, strong negotiation skills, and relevant industry qualifications. A driving license and willingness to travel are essential. This role offers competitive remuneration and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Proven Contracts Manager experience within main contracting.
• Strong knowledge of NEC, JCT, FIDIC contracts.
• Confident leadership and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead contract administration and ensure compliance with contract terms.
• Manage commercial performance, including cost control and change management.
• Prepare and present claims, negotiate settlements.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Leadership

Education

Relevant industry qualification (RICS, CIOB or equivalent)

Job description

Job Overview

A well-established main contractor specialising in healthcare, accommodation and education builds. They deliver technically complex, high-spec projects that demand rigorous compliance, stakeholder management and a collaborative approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead contract administration and ensure compliance with contract terms (JCT/FIDIC/NEC where applicable)
• Manage commercial performance: cost control, change management, valuations and cashflow forecasting
• Prepare and present claims, variations and risk registers; negotiate settlements with clients and subcontractors
• Oversee subcontract procurement, appointment and management to protect programme and margin
• Support project managers with contract interpretation, NEC options and contractual notices
• Ensure robust commercial reporting to senior management and stakeholders
• Drive proactive risk management and commercial best practice across projects
• Attend client meetings, pre-construction reviews and site inspections as required

Requirements

• SMSTS, First Aid and CSCS
• Proven Contracts Manager experience within main contracting, ideally delivering healthcare, accommodation and/or education projects
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrable experience in valuations, claims and change management
• Sound knowledge of standard forms of contract (NEC, JCT, FIDIC) and contract administration procedures
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with competency in commercial reporting and forecasting
• Confident leadership and the ability to influence project teams and supply chain partners
• Relevant industry qualification (RICS, CIOB or equivalent) or working towards one is advantageous
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites