Contracts Manager, Senior Manager
Contracts Manager, Senior Manager

Contracts Manager, Senior Manager

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage contracts and provide cost advisory services for exciting projects.
  • Company: ESA Engineering, a global consultancy with a strong UK presence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to shape our UK culture.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities to work on high-value projects.
  • Why this job: Join us at the ground level and make a real impact in the engineering sector.
  • Qualifications: 8 years' experience in quantity surveying and a relevant degree required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

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.

We 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.

  • Prepare cost plans and estimates across early project stages (RIBA 2–4).
  • Advise clients on budgets, cost risks and value engineering opportunities.
  • 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.

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 accounts.

Contracts Manager, Senior Manager employer: ESA engineering

ESA Engineering is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be part of a growing consultancy in London, where you can shape the culture and capabilities of our UK practice. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide a collaborative work environment that encourages innovation and professional growth, alongside competitive benefits and the chance to work on high-value projects across diverse sectors. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the advantages of being part of an internationally recognised firm with local expertise.
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Contact Detail:

ESA engineering Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager, Senior Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching ESA Engineering and understanding their projects. We want to see your enthusiasm and knowledge about our work, so come armed with questions and insights that show you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the Contracts Manager role. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence before the big day.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager, Senior Manager

Commercial Management
Cost Planning
Procurement
Tendering
Budgeting
Value Engineering
Contract Administration
JCT Contract Knowledge
NEC Contract Knowledge
Tender Documentation Preparation
Cost Reporting
Risk Identification
Client Liaison
Quantity Surveying
Project Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Contracts Manager role. Highlight your experience in quantity surveying and any relevant projects you've worked on. 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 passionate about joining ESA Engineering and how you can contribute to our UK operations. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!

Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your experience with JCT and NEC contracts. We’re keen to see how you've handled complex programmes and your approach to cost management. Don’t hold back!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at ESA engineering

✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on JCT and NEC contract forms before the interview. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with compensation events, claims, and final accounts will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical knowledge too.

✨Showcase Your Project Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you successfully managed complex, high-value programmes. Highlight your contributions to cost planning, procurement, and tendering processes, especially in commercial or residential sectors in London.

✨Demonstrate Your Client-Focused Approach

ESA Engineering values a strong client relationship. Be ready to discuss how you've worked closely with clients and design teams to align costs and manage budgets. Share instances where you identified risks and provided value engineering opportunities.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about ESA's projects and their approach to commercial management. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to shaping the culture and capability of their UK practice.

Contracts Manager, Senior Manager
ESA engineering

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