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- Tasks: Lead a project-focused engineering team in delivering complex defence and marine projects.
- Company: Dynamic company in the defence sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, flexible hours, and a company-matched pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and continuous improvement in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence industry while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management within marine or defence environments is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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
Senior Contracts Manager in South Shields employer: Broadreach Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Broadreach Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Contracts Manager in South Shields
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence and marine sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent work in the defence sector. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Contracts Manager. Highlight your project management skills and how you’ve successfully led teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Contracts Manager in South Shields
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Contracts Manager role. Highlight your experience in project or contract management, especially within marine or defence sectors. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific projects you've managed and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Senior Contracts Manager, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to liaise with stakeholders and manage teams effectively. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully navigated complex discussions in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Broadreach Recruitment
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of contract management, especially within the marine and defence sectors. Brush up on relevant regulations and standards, as this will show your potential employer that you’re not just familiar with the basics but can also navigate complex requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Contracts Manager, you'll be leading teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams and delivered projects on time and within budget. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your impact.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Expect questions about how you handle communication with various stakeholders. Think of specific instances where you’ve liaised with clients, contractors, or internal teams. Demonstrating your strong communication skills will be key to showing you can represent the business effectively.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Be ready to discuss how you’ve contributed to continuous improvement initiatives in past roles. Share examples of how you’ve identified inefficiencies and implemented solutions that enhanced project delivery. This will resonate well with their focus on high-quality outcomes.