At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex bids and projects while managing a small team in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Hitachi Rail, a global leader in digital transformation and technology.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, market-leading training, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Hybrid role with a supportive culture focused on personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a diverse, inclusive workplace with innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing high-value contracts and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
About Us
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.
London, Greater London, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
Our Opportunity
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. You will lead a small team (3–4 direct reports) within a wider group of 12 Contract Managers. This is a hybrid role, with a minimum of 2 days per week in our Canary Wharf office.
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.
What to Expect
A two-stage interview process focusing on technical and behavioural competencies. We’re happy to make reasonable adjustments—please speak to your Talent Acquisition partner.
What We Can Offer
We’re committed to giving you opportunities to be your best. We believe in embracing the passion and potential of our people, and to achieve this we offer market leading training, development and experiences, along with the opportunity to be mentored and coached by some of the smartest minds in the industry. We hire from within as our first priority, so you’ll have a myriad of opportunities within our diverse, global organisation.
Flexibility
Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.
Thank you for your interest in Hitachi Rail. If your application is of interest, we will be in contact. Please do not hesitate to discover more about us and our latest jobs at https://www.hitachirail.com/careers.
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.
We would be delighted if you would be one of our followers at https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachirail.
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Senior Contract Manager in London employer: Hitachi
At Hitachi Rail, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our hybrid working model in the vibrant Canary Wharf area allows for flexibility while providing access to market-leading training and development opportunities, ensuring that our employees can thrive and grow within our diverse global organisation. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and employee well-being, we empower our team members to achieve their ambitions in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Contract Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or industry events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Hitachi Rail and understand their projects and values. We want to see you shine, so practice answering common questions and have your own ready to show your interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your past work, especially around contract management and negotiation. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered results in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who align with our mission at Hitachi Rail.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Contract Manager in London
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 passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience in leading teams and managing complex bids.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise in negotiation and dispute resolution. Numbers speak volumes, so if you can quantify your successes, do it!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you can explore more about our company while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hitachi
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
As a Senior Contract Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in managing high-value contracts. Brush up on NEC contracts and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've navigated complex commercial issues in the past.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare to share your experiences leading negotiations and resolving disputes. Think of a few key scenarios where you successfully influenced outcomes and how you managed stakeholder relationships during those processes.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into risk assessment, pricing strategies, and commercial modelling. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in these areas and be prepared to discuss how they align with Hitachi Rail's business goals.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Team Support
Since you'll be leading a small team, be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you've mentored team members and fostered a collaborative environment, especially in dynamic settings.
