Principal Contract Manager

AWE; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Contract Manager to lead the management of Professional Services Contracts for cutting-edge facilities. This exciting role involves overseeing contract negotiations, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and fostering a high-performance culture within the team. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in public sector contract management and public procurement regulations. With a flexible working pattern, including a 9-day working fortnight, this position offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits, making it a fantastic opportunity for those looking to make a significant impact in their field.

Benefits

9-day working fortnight

Market-leading pension scheme

Family-friendly policies

Professional development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Life Assurance

Qualifications

• Expertise in public procurement regulation and contract management.
• Experience in business governance and contract variation management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performance team focused on customer-centric delivery.
• Manage complex stakeholder relationships and ensure contract compliance.

Skills

Public Procurement Regulation

Contract Management

NEC Practitioner Accreditation

Stakeholder Management

Budget Control

Tools

CEMAR

Job description

Join to apply for the Principal Contract Manager role at AWE.

Overview

AWE is recruiting a Principal Contract Manager to oversee the management and negotiation of Professional Services Contracts as part of a key programme developing 7 state-of-the-art facilities.

Location & Package

Location: Reading area, with hybrid working options and free onsite parking.

Package: £60,000 to £90,000 depending on experience and qualifications.

Working Pattern

AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight, with flexible working requests encouraged.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead and develop your team to promote a customer-centric, high-performance culture.
• Manage complex stakeholder relationships, including delivery, commercial, and government partners.
• Ensure contracts align with safety and quality standards and meet Intelligent Client requirements.
• Manage supplier performance, develop strategies, and mitigate risks.
• Support cost management, legal compliance, and contract reporting.

Candidate Profile

Ideal candidates will have expertise in public procurement regulation, significant public sector contract management experience, NEC practitioner accreditation, and familiarity with tools like CEMAR. Experience in business governance, contract variation management, and budget control is essential.

Desirable Skills

• End-to-end procurement experience
• Experience with Infrastructure Professional Services Contracts
• NEC & CCS contract experience
• Team management and stakeholder management skills

Benefits

• 9-day working fortnight and 270 annual leave hours
• Market-leading pension scheme
• Family-friendly policies
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme and Life Assurance

Additional Information

Hybrid working is available, typically 1 day onsite per week. We value diversity and encourage applications from all qualified candidates. Security clearance is required, and applicants must be British citizens resident in the UK for the past 5 years.

Next Steps

Apply promptly as the role may close early if filled. We focus on your potential and fit with our values, not just checkboxes.