Senior Contracts Lead – Construction & NEC Expert (Hybrid)

Gatwick Airport Limited; Crawley; Hybrid; GBP 88,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Welcome bonus 5%

Performance-based bonus

Healthcare scheme

Life and disability insurance

Professional training to develop

Free holiday parking

Discounted travel to work schemes

Volunteer days

Job summary

Gatwick Airport Limited is seeking a Contracts Lead – Construction to drive contract strategy and governance for major airport infrastructure. You will work within a live operational environment to ensure contracts deliver value, minimise risk and support successful project outcomes.

The role works in a hybrid model with three days in the office and two days remote, reporting into the Construction function and collaborating with procurement and legal specialists.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Construction Law, Commercial Management, or a related field.
• Deep knowledge of NEC contracts and construction law.
• Proven experience managing contract claims and disputes in complex environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Experience supporting major infrastructure or capital programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead contract expertise across the Construction team, supporting all contract forms with a focus on NEC.
• Own and continuously improve Gatwick's suite of standard contract templates.
• Provide assurance that contracts are clear, robust, and fit for purpose.
• Manage and resolve commercial queries, disputes, and escalations.
• Lead dispute resolution processes and meetings, ensuring optimal outcomes.
• Partner with the Construction Lawyer to ensure compliance and governance.
• Support procurement strategy by advising on the right contract approach for each project.
• Negotiate rates with consultants and contractors to achieve best market value.
• Deliver training and share best practice across programme teams.
• Identify opportunities to drive cost and programme efficiencies through effective contract use.
• Foster collaborative relationships across the supply chain to reduce disputes and enhance long-term value.

Skills

NEC contracts

Construction law

Contract claims

Disputes management

Stakeholder management

Commercial awareness

Education

Degree in Construction Law/Commercial Management

Job description

Gatwick Airport Limited is seeking a Contracts Lead – Construction to drive contract strategy and governance for major airport infrastructure. You will work within a live operational environment to ensure contracts deliver value, minimise risk and support successful project outcomes.

The role works in a hybrid model with three days in the office and two days remote, reporting into the Construction function and collaborating with procurement and legal specialists.