Job Description

Senior Contracts Manager

Location: South Shields

Office Based - Head Office

Security Clearance: Required (SC level)

Role Summary

We are seeking a proactive and highly organised Senior Contracts Manager to lead a project-focused engineering team.

Based in South Shields and reporting to the General Manager, this role is instrumental in planning, coordinating, and delivering complex engineering projects within the defence and marine sector.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing project delivery, ensuring alignment with contract requirements, and working closely with internal teams, OEMs, contractors, and key defence stakeholders to deliver high-quality, compliant, and cost-effective outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the project team, ensuring successful delivery and closeout of technical workstreams
• Oversee planning and execution of upgrade and maintenance programmes, producing detailed work packages and schedules
• Liaise with defence stakeholders to ensure alignment with engineering and regulatory standards
• Coordinate with internal departments, contractors, and OEMs to define scope, budgets, and resource requirements
• Deliver projects from initial request through to completion, ensuring on-time and on-budget performance
• Oversee technical solutions, including vessel upgrades and modifications
• Manage cost estimation, resource planning, and change control processes
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and produce detailed project reports
• Represent the business in client meetings, supported by the wider project team
• Support invoice preparation and commercial discussions with third parties and suppliers
• Ensure all activities meet safety, quality, and statutory compliance standards
• Monitor team performance through KPIs and report regularly to senior leadership
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry standards and classification requirements
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across project delivery

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Proven experience in project or contract management within marine, defence, or engineering environments
• HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical, Marine, Electrical Engineering, or similar
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and multiple technical projects
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, APM, PMP)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint)

Desirable:

• Experience supporting defence or government-managed assets
• Knowledge of classification societies, flag state requirements, and regulatory standards

Benefits

• 23 days annual leave (rising to 25 with service), plus bank holidays
• Holiday buy/sell scheme
• Flexible working hours
• Free on-site parking
• Company-matched pension scheme