At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts from drafting to renewal, ensuring compliance and value.
- Company: Join Kensa, a supportive and inclusive company that values its people.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 25+ days holiday, health insurance, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring smooth contract execution and strong supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management, strong negotiation skills, and legal acumen.
- Other info: Dog-friendly offices and opportunities for community impact through volunteering.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Circa £75,000 - £85,000 (dependent on experience) + benefits
Location: South‑East England (ideally based within comfortable commuting distance of project activity in London and Essex)
About The Role
We’re looking for an experienced Contract Manager to take ownership of a diverse portfolio of contracts across the full lifecycle, from drafting and negotiation through to renewal and close‑out. You’ll be the central link between suppliers, internal teams, and legal advisors, ensuring every agreement delivers value, mitigates risk, and supports our organisational objectives. This role also plays a key part in reinforcing our strong Health & Safety culture across all commercial activities.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of contracts, including commercial agreements and supplier arrangements.
- Ensuring compliance with organisational policies and UK legislation while promoting safe working practices.
- Managing the full contract lifecycle, maintaining accurate documentation throughout.
- Identifying and mitigating contractual risks, offering practical guidance to stakeholders.
- Collaborating with Procurement, Legal, Finance, and Project Management teams to ensure contractual obligations are met.
- Monitoring supplier and client performance, including Health & Safety behaviours.
- Supporting tender processes, bid evaluations, and negotiations.
What You’ll Bring
- Proven experience in contract management or a similar commercial role.
- A strong background in construction‑related projects, including experience with JCT and NEC3/4 contracts.
- Solid understanding of procurement processes, contract governance, and commercial risk.
- Excellent negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
- Strong organisational abilities and comfort managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
- A collaborative approach and the ability to build strong relationships both internally and externally.
- A commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy, professionalism, and safety.
- Professional certifications (e.g. CIPS, IACCM) are welcome but not essential.
- Strong legal acumen, with a clear understanding of contract law, regulatory requirements, and compliance best practice.
- Financial and commercial awareness, including experience supporting budget management and identifying opportunities to deliver cost‑effective outcomes.
- Confidence in interpreting commercial data and offering insight that enhances value and reduces risk across the contract lifecycle.
What Success Looks Like In This Role
- Smooth, compliant contract execution with minimal risk exposure.
- Strong supplier relationships and visible alignment with our Health & Safety culture.
- Improved procurement processes and operational efficiency.
- Continuous improvement initiatives that enhance performance across the business.
Why Join Kensa?
At Kensa, Our People Are Our Greatest Strength. We’re Committed To Creating a Supportive, Inclusive Environment Where You Can Thrive And Make a Real Difference. Here’s What You Can Expect:
- Flexible Working: Hybrid and office‑based options to suit your lifestyle.
- Growth & Development: Opportunities to stretch and develop your skills through meaningful, collaborative work.
- Wellbeing Support: Free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family.
- Time Off: 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, rising to 30 with service.
- Health & Security: Company pension and Private Health Insurance after one year.
- Sustainable Travel: Cycle to Work Scheme to help reduce your carbon footprint.
- Community Impact: Paid volunteering days and regular team events.
- Dog‑Friendly Offices: Some of our sites, including HQ, welcome four‑legged friends.
Ready to Join Us?
If you’re a strategic thinker with strong commercial instincts and a passion for getting contracts right first time, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help us build strong, safe, and successful partnerships. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. If you need any adjustments during the application process, just let us know, we’re happy to support you. You’re welcome (but not required) to include a brief cover note telling us what draws you to Kensa and how your experience aligns with this role.
Contract Manager employer: Kensa
Contact Detail:
Kensa Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Contract Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their contract management processes and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Contract Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your contract management experience, especially with JCT and NEC3/4 contracts, to show us you’re the right fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Note: If you choose to include a cover note, use it to express why you’re excited about joining Kensa. Share how your background aligns with our values and the specific requirements of the Contract Manager position.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage contracts effectively. Use metrics or examples to illustrate how you’ve added value and mitigated risks in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kensa
✨Know Your Contracts
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of different types of contracts, especially JCT and NEC3/4. Be ready to discuss your experience with drafting, negotiating, and managing contracts, as this will show you understand the role's core responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your Risk Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've identified and mitigated contractual risks in past roles. This is crucial for the Contract Manager position, so having specific scenarios ready will demonstrate your proactive approach and analytical skills.
✨Highlight Collaboration Experience
Since the role involves working closely with various teams like Procurement, Legal, and Finance, think of instances where you've successfully collaborated across departments. Sharing these experiences will illustrate your ability to build strong relationships and work effectively in a team.
✨Emphasise Health & Safety Awareness
Given the importance of Health & Safety in this role, be prepared to discuss how you've promoted safe working practices in previous positions. Showing that you prioritise safety will align with the company's values and demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards.