Contract Manager

ESA Engineering is an integrated engineering services company, built around one core principle: following our clients wherever their projects take them. Our multidisciplinary teams deliver end-to-end support across the full project lifecycle, from planning and feasibility, through design, construction supervision and commissioning, to operations and maintenance, ensuring continuity of expertise and a single point of accountability at every stage.

With offices in Italy, France, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and the United States, we combine international reach with locally grounded knowledge, applying experience gained across global programmes to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes on projects worldwide. As part of a strategic expansion of our UK operations, we are actively building a strong, talented team to grow our presence and deepen our commitment to the British market. This is a genuine opportunity to join ESA at the ground level of something significant, to help shape the culture, capability, and reputation of our UK practice from the inside, and to grow with it.

Role Overview

We are a growing consultancy establishing our presence in London and are looking for a Contract Manager to support the delivery of commercial management and cost advisory services to our clients through commercial, residential and fit-out projects. This role will focus on early-stage cost planning, procurement and tendering, working closely with clients and design teams. It is suited to someone who is comfortable in a client-facing environment and wants to be part of a small, growing team, with the opportunity to take on greater responsibility as the business expands.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare cost plans and estimates across early project stages (RIBA 2–4).
• Advise clients on budgets, cost risks and value engineering opportunities.
• Support and manage procurement strategies and tender processes.
• Prepare tender documentation and carry out tender analysis and reporting.
• Review contractor and subcontractor pricing for completeness and alignment with design information.
• Identify commercial risks, gaps and opportunities within project documentation.
• Produce clear commercial and cost reports for client and internal teams.
• Work closely with architects, engineers and project managers to ensure cost alignment.

Requirements

• Typically 8 years' post-graduate experience in quantity surveying and related activities, with significant time spent in client-side or contractor environments.
• Proven track record on complex, high-value programmes across commercial, retail, or high-end residential sectors in London or the wider UK.
• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, Commercial Management, or a closely related discipline.
• Deep working knowledge of JCT and NEC contract forms, including hands-on administration of compensation events, claims, and final accounts.
• Demonstrable experience leading or significantly contributing to full tender processes, from pre-qualification through to contract award and negotiation.
• Proven ability to scrutinise and challenge contractor cost submissions, valuations, prolongation claims, and final account settlements.
• MRICS preferred; exceptionally strong candidates working towards chartership will be considered.
• Right to work in the UK; sponsorship is not available for this role.

Desirable (not essential)

• Experience in commercial, residential or fit-out sectors.
• Familiarity with CostX, Excel or similar tools.