At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex bids and projects while managing commercial strategies and negotiations.
- Company: Join a diverse, global organisation with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Market-leading training, flexible work options, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Embrace a culture that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving successful outcomes in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in managing high-value contracts and excellent negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are recruiting a Senior Contract Manager to join our Legal & Commercial team in the UK. In this role, you will take ownership of all commercial aspects across key bids and projects, reporting to the Contracts Director.
Key Responsibilities
- You will spend approximately 80% of your time leading complex bids/projects and 20% supporting your team.
- Deputising for the Contracts Director when required.
- Developing and executing commercial strategies aligned to business goals.
- Managing risk and opportunity across bids and projects.
- Leading customer negotiations and resolving complex commercial issues.
- Driving dispute resolution and contractual claims (time and cost).
- Advising the business on current risks and future commercial strategy.
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes.
- Supporting, mentoring and developing your direct reports.
Technical Skills & Experience
- Strong experience managing high‑value, complex contracts (NEC preferred).
- Proven track record in commercial strategy, negotiation and dispute resolution.
- Expertise in risk and opportunity assessment, pricing and commercial modelling.
- Experience managing contract notices (e.g. Early Warning Notices, Compensation Events).
- Ability to lead claims management and prevent/resolve disputes.
- Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and influencing outcomes.
- Strong understanding of contractual terms, governance and change control processes.
Human Skills
- Strong relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills.
- Proactive, confident and solutions‑focused.
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
- Adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic environment.
Benefits
- Market‑leading training, development and experiences, along with mentorship and coaching by industry experts.
- Opportunities to progress within the diverse, global organisation.
- Flexibility to manage work‑life balance including part‑time hours, job sharing, home working and flexible start‑and‑finish times.
We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Senior Contract Manager employer: Hitachi Rail GTS UK Limited
As a Senior Contract Manager in our Legal & Commercial team based in London, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. We offer market-leading training, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to collaborate with industry experts, ensuring that your career progresses while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Join us to be part of a diverse global organisation that values your unique contributions and fosters a culture of mentorship and support.
Contact Details:
Hitachi Rail GTS UK Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Contract Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Contract Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to contract management and negotiation. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to get comfortable discussing your experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring along examples of your past work, especially those high-value contracts you've managed. This will help demonstrate your capabilities and give you an edge over other candidates.
✨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 are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Contract Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Contract Manager role. Highlight your experience with high-value contracts and any relevant commercial strategies you've executed. 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 Legal & Commercial team. Share specific examples of your negotiation successes and how you've managed complex bids in the past.
Showcase Your Soft Skills:While technical skills are crucial, don’t forget to highlight your human skills too! We value relationship-building and stakeholder management, so share instances where you've successfully collaborated with others or resolved disputes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hitachi Rail GTS UK Limited
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the types of contracts you’ll be managing, especially NEC contracts. Brush up on key terms and conditions, as well as any recent changes in legislation that might affect your role. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just familiar with the basics but are ready to tackle complex issues head-on.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you’ve successfully resolved disputes or managed risks. Be ready to discuss your approach to negotiation and how you adapt your strategy based on the situation. This will demonstrate your ability to lead customer negotiations effectively and influence outcomes.
✨Highlight Your Stakeholder Management Experience
Think of specific instances where you’ve built strong relationships with stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve collaborated with both internal teams and external partners to achieve successful project outcomes. This will illustrate your human skills and ability to work in a dynamic environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Be ready to talk about how you develop and execute commercial strategies aligned with business goals. Share examples of how you’ve assessed risks and opportunities in previous roles, and how your strategic thinking has led to successful project delivery. This will show that you can think ahead and contribute to the company’s future success.
