Contracts Manager

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council; Port Talbot; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

15.3% employer pension contribution

25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays

Discount gym membership

Cycle to work scheme

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Smart Spend discounts

Job summary

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager within the Engineering Infrastructure - Contracts and Programme Management team. The role focuses on contract and commercial management across multiple civil engineering projects, ensuring value for money and compliance with Contract Procedure Rules.

You will lead procurement, administer NEC contracts, and work in a hybrid environment bridging home and Council workplaces.

Qualifications

• Substantial senior-level experience in contract, commercial or cost management.
• Experience of managing multiple concurrent civil engineering or infrastructure schemes.
• In-depth knowledge of NEC contracts and change management.
• Strong knowledge of financial control, cost forecasting and commercial risk management.
• Understanding of public sector procurement and Contract Procedure Rules.

Responsibilities

• Provide contract & commercial management across project lifecycles.
• Oversee procurement and tender documentation, including regional frameworks.
• Support NEC contract administration, including Early Warnings & Compensation Events.
• Maintain audit trails for contracts, guarantees and final accounts.
• Facilitate risk and value management for better delivery outcomes.
• Liaise with contractors, consultants and stakeholders; supervise two staff.

Skills

Senior contract management

NEC contract administration

Advanced numeracy & data analysis

Excel proficiency

Strong communication skills

Willingness to travel

Education

Engineering/Construction/Quantity Surveying degree or equivalent

Professional competence via substantial relevant experience

Tools

MS Project

Financial control & cost forecasting tools

Procurement systems knowledge

Job description

Contracts Manager

Job description

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37hrs Full Time

Your workstyle will be a mobile hybrid worker in this role which gives you the flexibility to work from home and from a variety of Council workplaces.

We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to join the Engineering Infrastructure - Contracts and Programme Management team within Infrastructure, Transport and Streetcare. The team supports the delivery of engineering infrastructure projects and programmes across the Council.

As Contracts Manager, you will provide contract and commercial management throughout the project lifecycle, helping project teams to procure and deliver services and works efficiently, transparently and in accordance with Council requirements.

Your daily routine will include:

• Providing financial and cost control across multiple engineering infrastructure projects, including budgets, forecasts, commitments, accruals and variance reporting.
• Preparing and managing procurement and tender documentation, including work undertaken through regional frameworks, in line with Contract Procedure Rules and funding requirements.
• Supporting project managers with NEC contract administration, including Early Warnings, Compensation Events, programmes, contractual correspondence and change control.
• Maintaining clear audit trails, reviewing contract documents, guarantees, bonds and final accounts, and ensuring records are accurate and audit-ready.
• Facilitating risk and value management activity to identify commercial, programme and delivery risks and opportunities for better value.
• Liaising with contractors, consultants, legal and procurement colleagues, technical teams, senior officers and other stakeholders, while supervising two Engineering Infrastructure Officers.

About you

Do you have:

• Substantial senior-level experience in contract, commercial or cost management, including responsibility for advising project managers and senior officers.
• Experience of managing multiple concurrent civil engineering or infrastructure schemes and working with external consultants, contractors and internal stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of NEC contracts, including contract administration and change management from pre-contract stage through to final account.
• Strong knowledge of financial control, cost forecasting, commercial risk management and the interpretation of cost data to support decision-making.
• Detailed working knowledge of public sector procurement, governance, Contract Procedure Rules and external funding or commercial compliance requirements.
• A relevant degree, such as Engineering, Construction, Quantity Surveying, Commercial or Cost Management, or equivalent professional competence gained through substantial relevant experience.
• Advanced numeracy and data analysis skills, comprehensive Excel experience, excellent communication skills and the ability to travel throughout the County Borough.

A recognised commercial or cost management qualification, civil engineering or cost discipline qualification, construction framework management experience, public sector experience, CSCS accreditation, knowledge of MS Project or ISO 9001 would be advantageous.

About us

We believe in rewarding and recognising our colleagues’ efforts and achievements. We also believe that there’s life at work and life outside of work. We want everyone to be healthy and happy and have the financial resources and support they need.

Choose to work for us and you’ll be rewarded with a range of attractive benefits and support to help you live your best life.

• Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve your work life balance
• Benefit from a competitive employee package with a remarkable 15.3% employer pension contribution
• Enjoy a holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service (not forgetting the additional 8 bank holidays too)
• Access discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure
• Utilise the cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment
• Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme
• Enjoy exclusive discounts at local and national retailers with the Smart Spend app through our staff wellbeing group.