At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead contract strategy and negotiations for high-value infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join JSM Group, a leader in infrastructure engineering with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, and extensive health benefits.
- Other info: We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Shape the future of utilities while tackling complex challenges in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in contract management within infrastructure or construction is essential.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
ABOUT JSM
At JSM Group, we are a leading specialist infrastructure engineering company. We design and install the complex power networks, digital infrastructure and specialist systems a future-focused worldwide marketplace needs — from high-power grid connections to critical utilities, data centres to renewable energy. Our full turnkey solution teams manage the full scope to help advise and deliver complex infrastructure projects at speed, on time and with reduced legislation, technical and commercial risks.
ABOUT THE TEAM
You'll join our Commercial & Contracts team, which plays a critical role in the successful delivery of infrastructure projects across the UK. As the business continues to grow, this is a key role in shaping how we manage contractual risk, support strategic decision-making, and keep our projects on track. You'll work closely with project teams, supply chain partners and senior leadership across Commercial, Operations and Finance, reporting to the Group Legal Director while embedded within our operational and commercial functions.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This role exists to act as a trusted advisor on contract and risk matters — ensuring contracts across our infrastructure and utility projects are clearly understood, effectively managed, and aligned with business objectives. Day to day, you will:
- Lead on contract strategy and negotiations across high-value infrastructure and utility projects (typically £5M–£75M)
- Review, advise on and shape commercial agreements, supplier terms, construction contracts, NDAs and more
- Work proactively with internal teams to identify and manage contractual risk early
- Manage the full contract lifecycle — from initial heads of terms to final closeout
- Act as a sounding board for the business on live project issues, including dispute avoidance and early resolution strategies
This role is based at our Potters Bar Head Office with hybrid working.
ABOUT YOU
You'll do well here if you recognise yourself in this:
- You're hungry to grow and you take personal responsibility for your work and your development.
- You're comfortable with complexity and you'd rather solve a hard technical problem than avoid it.
- You work well across disciplines — you know good delivery depends on civil, power and digital teams pulling in the same direction.
- You use sound judgment under pressure and you're straight with people about risk and programme.
- You're confident translating legal language into clear, commercially focused advice for non-legal stakeholders, and you're not afraid to challenge where you see risk.
EXPERIENCE
Essential:
Strong experience in contract and commercial management within infrastructure, utilities or construction (ideally Quantity Surveying)
Track record of negotiating and managing high-value, complex project contracts
Experience supporting dispute resolution, including negotiation and mediation
Desirable:
Background as an ex-Commercial Manager or someone senior in Quantity Surveying, looking to apply that expertise in a broader contracts and risk-focused role
REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS
Essential:
Experience working with NEC, JCT and FIDIC contract forms
Confident identifying where commercial and contractual risk lies, and comfortable challenging where needed
Able to communicate clearly and effectively with both commercial and non-commercial stakeholders
Desirable:
Formal legal, commercial or quantity surveying qualification, or working towards professional membership (e.g. RICS, CICES)
If you meet most but not all of the above, we'd still like to hear from you. We'll look at what you've delivered and what you're capable of, not just the list.
ENGINEERED TO BELONG
At JSM Group, we're not just shaping the future of utilities, we're raising the bar for what a great place to work looks like. Our values aren't words on a wall. They drive every decision we make and every project we take on, pushing us to go further, do better, and leave a real mark on the industry. We want people who are hungry to grow, ready to take on complex challenges, and excited to work alongside clients and partners who are changing the landscape of the utility sector across the UK, Europe and beyond. In return, we give you the room to develop fast, the work to stretch you, and the platform to build a career that actually means something — and here's what that looks like in practice:
WHAT WE OFFER
In addition to an industry competitive salary, we offer:
- Hybrid working
- Performance-linked bonus, where applicable
- Pension — up to 4% employer matched
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays and 2 paid volunteering days
- Health cash plan (BUPA) — cashback on dental, optical and physiotherapy
- Healthcare plan (Benenden Health) — faster medical advice, private diagnostics and treatment alongside the NHS
- Employee assistance programme
- Funded training and development through our Training Centre and Competency Cloud, professional membership and a clear route to chartership or higher authorisation
DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
JSM Group is an equal opportunities employer. We're building teams that reflect the communities and clients we work for, and we believe better engineering comes from bringing different experience into the same room. We're committed to making our recruitment process accessible. If you need an adjustment at any stage — to the application, the interview format or the assessment — tell us and we'll sort it. Every application is assessed on skills, experience and potential.
Senior Contracts Advisor in Potters Bar employer: JSM Group
At JSM Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly within our Power Division where safety and quality are paramount. Our collaborative work culture fosters continuous improvement and professional growth, offering employees the chance to engage in meaningful projects while ensuring compliance with industry standards. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we provide a supportive environment that values individual contributions and encourages career development across our sites in Cardiff and Somerset.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Contracts Advisor in Potters Bar
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like JSM Group, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Contracts Advisor at JSM Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Contracts Advisor in Potters Bar
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at JSM Group
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
