At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead contract management and build strong customer relationships in a high-speed rail environment.
- Company: Join Hitachi Rail, a globally recognised leader in rail services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, 25 days holiday, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diversity and offering excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's iconic high-speed fleet and influence strategic decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in contracts management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Description
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.
Your New Role
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.
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Contract Manager in Aylesford employer: Hitachi Rail UK Limited
Hitachi Rail UK Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members benefit from extensive training opportunities and the chance to work on impactful projects that enhance national cyber security. The company's commitment to a supportive culture and flexible working arrangements makes it an attractive place for professionals looking to make a meaningful contribution while enjoying the benefits of travel across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Manager in Aylesford
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Contract Manager at Hitachi Rail UK Limited!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Hitachi Rail UK Limited or be willing to refer you for that Contract Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Hitachi Rail UK Limited who’s on the lookout for their next Contract Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Contract Manager role at Hitachi Rail UK Limited!
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Manager in Aylesford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Hitachi Rail UK Limited. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hitachi Rail UK Limited
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
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Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Hitachi Rail UK Limited. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
