Contracts Manager

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

We are looking for an experienced contracts (commercial) manager to join our defence team. This role offers location flexibility, and you can be based anywhere in the UK,

This is an exciting opportunity to lead contract administration and commercial management activities within a complex, highly regulated and security-sensitive defence environment. You will work closely with key stakeholders, consultants, project teams and supply-chain partners to ensure effective contractual governance, robust financial management and compliant delivery.

Please note: Due to the security requirements of the role, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK security clearance.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Developing and maintaining contract administration manuals, processes and procedures, ensuring compliance with contractual terms, conditions and contract management standards.
• Managing commercial relationships with clients, consultants and project teams to support effective delivery and continuous improvement.
• Directing contractual negotiations and providing commercial and contractual guidance to project managers and services managers.
• Managing contractual change through appropriate change management processes and governance.
• Managing professional services contracts, including NEC3 professional services contract option G.
• Managing CEMAR administration, including general communications, early warning notices, payments and compensation events.
• Reviewing and assessing contractor and consultant compensation events, quotations, contractual notices and early warning notices.
• Managing subconsultants and associated contract administration, including purchase orders, monthly applications and invoice receipting.
• Managing project financial performance, including cost value reconciliation, defined costs, forecasting and financial auditing.
• Collating and submitting applications for payment in accordance with contractual requirements, including supporting documentation and monthly narratives.
• Reviewing and assuring task orders, project forecasts, KPI incentive schedules and other commercial reporting requirements.

You’ll need to have:

• Proven experience in contracts, commercial management or contract administration within construction, infrastructure, engineering, professional services or a similar complex project environment.
• Strong working knowledge of NEC contracts, ideally including NEC3 professional services contract option G.
• Experience using CEMAR, including the administration of early warning notices, compensation events, general communications and payments.
• Strong experience in contractual change management, commercial governance and the assessment of compensation events and quotations.
• Demonstrable financial management experience, including forecasting, cost value reconciliation, defined costs and applications for payment.
• Strong commercial negotiation, stakeholder management and client relationship skills, with the ability to provide clear commercial advice to project teams.

What we offer:

• Car allowance.
• Hybrid working.
• Medical health cover.
• Life insurance.
• Income protection insurance.
• Pension scheme.
• Discretionary annual salary reviews.
• Family-friendly policies.
• 22 days’ annual leave + 2 Mace days 3 days’ Christmas shutdown + bank holidays.

Our values

Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.

Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.