Contract Manager

Circet Group; East Kilbride; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK infrastructure firm is seeking an experienced Contract Manager to oversee all commercial and contractual aspects of fibre network build projects. This senior role entails leading financial performance, ensuring stringent safety practices, and managing significant revenue streams while building strong stakeholder relationships. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 8 years experience in contract management within the telecommunications industry, with proven success in commercial negotiations and risk management.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in contract management in telco or civil engineering sectors.
• Experience managing significant revenue streams, ideally above £20 million.
• Strong understanding of fibre network build lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial negotiations and contract management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure financial control, including budgeting and revenue recognition.
• Champion a safety-first culture across all project activities.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Analytical capabilities

Negotiation skills

Leadership

Communications skills

Organizational skills

Education

Relevant professional qualifications such as RICS or CIPS

Tools

ERP systems

Contract management software

Job description

Job Title

Contract Manager - Fibre Network Build (UK)

Location

Primarily office-based (with regular travel to sites and client meetings across the UK)

Reporting To

Contract/Regional Director

Job Purpose

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Contract Manager to lead and manage all commercial and contractual aspects of our fibre optic network build projects across the UK. This is a senior leadership role with direct accountability for the financial performance and contractual compliance of a significant portfolio of projects. The successful candidate will be a paramount leader in fostering a robust safety culture, ensuring commercial strategies align with and reinforce the highest safety standards within the delivery framework. A strong background in the telecoms industry, combined with solid technical understanding and leadership capabilities, is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial & Financial Accountability:
  • Manage and optimise a significant annual revenue stream, with direct accountability for commercial performance up to £50 million.
  • Lead commercial negotiations, contract drafting, and robust contract management throughout the entire project lifecycle, from tender to close-out.
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate commercial risks and opportunities within contracts.
  • Ensure stringent financial control, including accurate forecasting, budgeting, cost management, and revenue recognition across all managed contracts.
  • Oversee the proactive management of variations, commercial claims, and contractual challenges, ensuring favourable outcomes for the business.
• Contractual Compliance & Governance:
  • Ensure all projects and operational activities adhere strictly to contractual terms and conditions and commercial agreements.
  • Develop, implement, and continuously improve robust contract management processes, procedures, and commercial best practices.
  • Conduct regular contract performance reviews and audits to ensure compliance and identify areas for efficiency and improvement.
  • Provide expert commercial and contractual advice and guidance to project delivery teams and senior leadership.
• Safety Culture Leadership:
  • Act as a senior leader in championing, embedding, and continuously promoting a proactive safety‑first culture across all contractual activities and project delivery.
  • Ensure that all commercial and contractual agreements explicitly reflect and enforce stringent health and safety requirements and UK legislation.
  • Collaborate closely with Health & Safety teams, Project Managers, and on‑site supervisors to integrate safety considerations into commercial planning, project execution, and performance monitoring.
  • Actively promote and support initiatives that drive continuous improvement in safety performance and awareness across all levels.
• Stakeholder Management & Relationships:
  • Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key clients, major suppliers, internal departmental heads, and executive management.
  • Represent the company in high‑level commercial discussions, contractual negotiations, and performance reviews.
  • Ensure clear, consistent, and effective communication of contractual obligations, commercial performance, and project status.
• Supplier & Subcontractor Commercial Management:
  • Oversee the commercial relationship and performance of key suppliers and subcontractors, from selection through to final account.
  • Ensure that subcontracts align with main contract terms and effectively manage their commercial delivery and adherence to performance standards.
• Strategic & Technical Input:
  • Contribute to the development of overarching commercial strategies and business development initiatives.
  • Provide market insights, commercial intelligence, and technical awareness to support strategic decision‑making and innovation within the fibre network build space.

Minimum Expected Experience & Qualifications

• Experience:
  • Minimum of 8‑10 years of progressive experience in contract management or a senior commercial leadership role, with at least 3‑5 years in a direct leadership position within the telecommunications, infrastructure, or civil engineering sectors in the UK.
  • Demonstrable experience managing significant revenue streams and commercial portfolios, ideally in excess of £20 million annually, with direct accountability for financial outcomes and commercial success.
  • Extensive practical experience with various contract forms, common in UK infrastructure projects, with a strong focus on commercial and contractual application.
  • Proven track record of successful commercial negotiation, contractual resolution, and proactive commercial risk management.
  • Strong understanding of the fibre network build lifecycle and associated technical, operational, and regulatory challenges in the UK telecoms industry.
• Qualifications & Certifications:
  • Relevant professional qualifications such as RICS, CIPS, or formal training in contract/commercial principles and management are highly preferred.
  • Relevant Health & Safety certifications (e.g., IOSH Managing Safely, NEBOSH General Certificate) are desirable and indicative of a strong commitment to safety leadership.
• Skills:
  • Exceptional commercial acumen and strong analytical capabilities.
  • Good negotiation and influencing skills, with a proven ability to achieve favourable commercial outcomes and resolve complex contractual matters.
  • Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, and decisive decision‑making abilities.
  • Strong understanding of contractual principles and their commercial application in large‑scale infrastructure projects.
  • Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging effectively with C‑suite executives and external partners.
  • Robust organisational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex, high‑value workloads.
  • Proficiency in relevant enterprise resource planning (ERP) and contract management software.
  • Demonstrable technical awareness of fibre network infrastructure and build processes.

Desirable Attributes

• In-depth knowledge of the UK telecommunications regulatory landscape.
• Experience in bid management and tender processes for large‑scale infrastructure projects.
• A proven track record of developing, coaching, and mentoring commercial teams.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and industry best practices.