At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead contract management for a high-speed rail fleet and build strong customer relationships.
- Company: Join Hitachi Rail, a global leader in digital transformation and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's iconic high-speed rail operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in contracts management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi-cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into.
This role sits at the heart of customer delivery, commercial performance and stakeholder engagement. To attract strong candidates, the advert should focus less on the administrative aspects of contract management and more on the opportunity to influence a high-profile fleet operation, build senior customer relationships and drive commercial success.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Contracts Manager to join our class 395 High Speed Fleet team. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful delivery of the Technical Support & Spares Supply Agreement (TSSSA), safeguarding Hitachi Rail's commercial interests while building strong and lasting customer relationships. This is a highly visible role where you'll work across operational, engineering, commercial and leadership teams to drive contractual compliance, optimise financial performance and support the long-term success of one of the UK's most iconic high-speed rail fleets. You will be the trusted commercial and contractual lead, helping shape business decisions, influence key stakeholders and ensure exceptional service delivery for our customers.
Some Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery and management of contractual obligations under the Technical Support & Spares Supply Agreement (TSSSA).
- Act as the primary point of contact for contractual matters, developing trusted relationships with customers, operators, asset owners and internal stakeholders.
- Drive strong commercial and contractual performance, ensuring the achievement of business and financial objectives.
- Provide expert contractual advice and guidance to senior leaders and project teams.
- Manage contract variations, change requests and negotiations, ensuring commercial risks and opportunities are effectively addressed.
- Lead the management of disputes, remedial events, notifiable events and contractual escalations.
- Oversee Damage & Vandalism (D&V) processes, ensuring costs are identified, managed and recovered appropriately.
- Analyse contractual and financial performance trends, using insight to drive continuous improvement and business performance.
- Produce and present high-quality contractual reports and performance updates to internal and external stakeholders.
- Support business case development, investment appraisals and wider commercial activities.
- Champion governance, compliance and best practice, ensuring alignment with Hitachi policies and global processes.
About You
We're looking for a commercially minded professional who thrives on building relationships, influencing stakeholders and delivering results in a complex operational environment. You'll bring:
- Proven experience in a contracts, commercial or customer-facing management role.
- Strong contractual and commercial awareness with excellent business acumen.
- Outstanding communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to present complex information confidently to senior leaders and executive stakeholders.
- Experience working within an engineering, technical, infrastructure or asset-intensive environment.
- A proactive and analytical approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
- The ability to balance competing priorities and make sound decisions under pressure.
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills with the confidence to influence across multiple functions.
- Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
- Management and leadership experience or recognised qualification.
Desirable
- Experience within the UK rail industry.
- Knowledge of fleet maintenance, asset management or rail operations environments.
Why Join Hitachi Rail?
This is an opportunity to join a globally recognised organisation where your work will directly contribute to the performance and success of a nationally significant high-speed fleet. You'll be empowered to take ownership, influence strategic decisions and collaborate with talented colleagues who are passionate about delivering world-class rail services.
What We Offer
We value the importance of all our employees. If you join our fantastic organisation, you could be entitled to:
- Competitive salary
- Potential opportunity for annual performance-related bonus
- 25 days holiday
- Pension scheme with contributions up to 9%
- Private medical insurance
- Personal Accident insurance
- Group Income Protection
- Group Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
We also offer additional flexible benefits, giving you the freedom to choose options that best suit your lifestyle and personal needs.
Closing date for applications is 9th August 2026.
At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Contract Manager in Ashford employer: Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.
Hitachi Rail UK Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance and a generous pension scheme. Located in Bristol, the company fosters a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, providing employees with opportunities for professional growth and development while ensuring a safe and efficient working environment for all team members.
Contact Details:
Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc. Recruitment Team
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