Senior Contracts Manager

AJP Recruitment; South Shields; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A marine engineering company in South Shields is seeking a Senior Contracts Manager to lead project teams and ensure the successful delivery of technical tasks in compliance with MOD requirements. Candidates should have strong experience in project management within the defence or marine sector, alongside a relevant engineering degree. The role emphasizes stakeholder management and adherence to safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in project or contract management, preferably in defence, marine, or shipbuilding.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and technical workstreams.
• Project management certification (e.g., PRINCE2, APM, PMP) is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Project team and ensure successful development of technical tasks.
• Oversee planning and execution of upgrade programs.
• Liaise with MOD representatives for regulatory alignment.
• Deliver projects on-time and on-budget, managing costs and resources.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Team management

Education

HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical, Marine, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our client offers specialist boat repair and dry dock facilities across the UK, due to expansion they now require a Senior Contracts Manager to work from their North East facility.

The successful candidate will oversee the allocation of tasks within the team, ensuring alignment with contract deliverables and collaborating closely with internal teams, OEMs, contractors and MOD stakeholders to deliver a high-quality, compliant, and cost-effective service.

The Role

• Lead and manage the Project team, ensuring the successful development and closeout of all technical tasks.
• Oversee planning and execution of upgrade programs, providing detailed work packages and schedules to MOD, contractors, and ships\' staff.
• Liaise with MOD representatives to ensure alignment with defence engineering and regulatory standards.
• Coordinate with internal departments, contractors, and OEMs to define scope, budgets, and resource requirements.
• Deliver projects from initial request through execution and completion, ensuring on-time and on-budget performance.
• Ensure technical solutions are delivered in a timely and effective manner, including upgrades and modifications to vessels.
• Manage cost and resource estimation, change control processes, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and produce comprehensive project reports.
• Attend client meetings as the lead company representative, supported by the wider project team.
• Contribute to invoice preparation and negotiate final settlements with OEMs, third parties, and shipyards.
• Ensure project delivery adheres to safety, quality, and statutory regulations.
• Monitor team performance through KPIs and provide monthly reports to the General Manager.
• Maintain awareness of industry standards and classification requirements.
• Undertake any other technical or operational duties as required.

The Person

Essential:

• Demonstrated experience in project or contract management, preferably within defence, marine, or shipbuilding sectors.
• HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical, Marine, or Electrical Engineering (or related field).
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and multiple technical workstreams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills at all levels.
• Project management certification (e.g., PRINCE2, APM, PMP).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint).

Desirable:

• Background supporting MOD-managed assets, particularly Royal Navy or RFA.
• Knowledge of Classification Societies, Flag State requirements, and defence regulations.