Contract Manager

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.