At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex EPC contracting strategies for a multi-billion-dollar energy project.
- Company: Join KBR, a global leader in engineering and construction.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on sustainable aviation fuel projects while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 25+ years of experience in energy projects and proven leadership in major EPC contracts.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Technical Staffing Resources (TSR) are the in-house agency and master vendor for KBR, a leading global engineering, construction, and services company. KBR supports the hydrocarbon and government services markets on six continents, offering challenging assignments on some of the world's largest and most complex projects.
We are seeking a Contracts Manager for a 24-month assignment, based in Leatherhead, Surrey.
On Offer:
- Competitive hourly pay rate
- Outside IR35 work engagement
- Hybrid Working; 3 days in the office, 2 days from home
NB: We can only consider candidates with the right to live and work in the UK.
Role Overview:
KBR is seeking a highly experienced Contracts Manager to support delivery of the Alfanar Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Project in Teeside, UK. This is a “top-table” PMC role, requiring a senior professional capable of leading complex EPC contracting strategy, tendering, and execution across a multi-billion-dollar energy project. The role will operate at a strategic, front-end level, ensuring that contractual frameworks are fully aligned with the project’s technical, commercial, and risk profile.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities:
- EPC Contracting & Tender Leadership
- Lead major EPC tendering processes including ITT development, prequalification, evaluation, and award strategy
- Define and implement overall contracting strategy, including packaging, EPC model selection, and risk allocation philosophy
- Provide commercial leadership across multi-contractor tender evaluations and negotiations
- Contract Structuring & FEED Alignment
- Lead FEED verification from a contractual perspective, ensuring alignment between technical maturity and contracting model
- Develop robust contract structures reflecting project execution strategy and risk profile
- Negotiation of Major EPC Contracts
- Lead negotiation of large-scale EPC contracts (LSTK, reimbursable, hybrid), typically in the $500M–$1B+ range
- Ensure balanced, bankable, and executable contractual positions in line with project objectives
- Risk Allocation & Performance Frameworks
- Structure and manage multi-party risk allocation across Client, EPC contractors, licensors, O&M providers, and suppliers
- Develop and align performance guarantee frameworks across multiple licensors, ensuring no gaps or overlaps
- Contracts Management & Claims Strategy
- Oversee post-award contract administration, including change control and claims strategy
- Lead dispute avoidance and resolution strategies aligned with project objectives
- Stakeholder & Interface Management
- Act as the key contracts interface across Client, engineering, licensors, EPC contractors
- Support development of bankable contracting structures, aligned with financing and lender requirements
Minimum Requirements:
- Minimum 25 years’ post-graduate experience
- Minimum 20 years’ experience in energy projects
- Proven experience as Contracts Lead/Manager on at least one major EPC project >$1bn, including contract formation and negotiation
- Degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Law, or Contracts/Commercial discipline
Essential Experience & Capability:
- Leadership of major EPC tendering processes
- FEED verification and contract structuring
- Negotiation of large EPC contracts (> USD 500M–1B+)
- Development of contracting and execution strategies
- Multi-party risk allocation in complex delivery models
- Structuring performance guarantees across multiple licensors
- Managing FOAK / new technology risks in contracts
- Challenging and avoiding unworkable EPC wrap structures
- Claims management and dispute resolution strategy
- Delivery within refining, petrochemical, LNG, hydrogen, bio-fuels, or SAF projects
- Experience with multi-licensor integration environments
- Exposure to bankable project structures and lender requirements
- Prior experience in PMC or Owner’s Engineer roles
If the above opportunity describes you, then I would love to speak with you. Get in touch - 01372 862020, or send me your CV - matt.smith@kbr.com
Locations
Contracts Manager in Leatherhead, Surrey employer: KBR, Inc
At KBR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our diverse project portfolio, including the Alfanar Sustainable Aviation Fuel Project, which provides unique opportunities for professional development in the energy sector. With competitive pay, hybrid working arrangements, and a culture that values expertise and leadership, KBR is the ideal place for experienced professionals looking to make a significant impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager in Leatherhead, Surrey
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like KBR, Inc.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like KBR, Inc appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager in Leatherhead, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting KBR, Inc know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what KBR, Inc is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at KBR, Inc
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
