At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial and contract management for critical infrastructure projects across the south of England.
- Company: Join SSE, a leader in energy transition and infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, health perks, and family support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on energy infrastructure while growing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management and strong knowledge of NEC contracts required.
The predicted salary is between 51600 - 77400 £ per year.
Base Location: You'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in one of the following locations; Reading, Andover, Slough, Thatcham, Portsmouth, Melksham, New Forest, or London.
Salary: £51,600 - £77,400 + car /car allowance - if applicable + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available.
The role involves reporting to the Senior Contract Manager within Procurement & Commercial for SEPD Services. This is a senior commercial role supporting one of the most strategically important and fast-growing areas of the business. You'll lead commercial and contract management activity across a portfolio of Customer Operations and Large Connections projects, ensuring robust procurement strategies, contractual governance and supplier partnerships are in place to support the safe, efficient and timely delivery of critical infrastructure investment.
This is a highly visible role, working closely with stakeholders across Operations, Procurement, Commercial, Finance, Legal and our external supply chain. You'll provide commercial leadership, challenge and assurance, helping to manage cost, risk, change and supplier performance in an environment of increasing customer demand and network growth.
You will:
- Provide commercial advice, challenge and support to project teams, ensuring effective cost, risk, change and contract management controls.
- Develop and implement procurement and contracting strategies that deliver value, mitigate risk and support successful project outcomes.
- Manage NEC and other construction and engineering contracts throughout their lifecycle, from strategy development and contract award through to change management, claims, payment certification and final account settlement.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers to drive performance, resolve commercial issues and support delivery against programme, budget and customer commitments.
- Deliver clear reporting and commercial insight, identifying risks, opportunities and areas for improvement.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of commercial processes, contract management standards and supplier engagement across the wider business.
- Review Applications for Payment and prepare Payment Notices and Final Accounts in line with contractual requirements.
You have:
- Significant experience leading commercial and contract management activities across complex project portfolios.
- Strong knowledge and practical application of NEC and other construction or engineering contracts throughout the full contract lifecycle.
- Experience managing commercial risk, change control, claims, payments and final account processes.
- The ability to build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong commercial judgement, analytical capability and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to provide clear challenge, guidance and assurance in a collaborative way.
Why this role? This is an opportunity to take on a senior commercial role in a fast-growing and highly visible part of the business. Customer Operations and Large Connections are central to enabling growth, supporting customers and delivering the infrastructure required for the energy transition. You will be joining a commercially focused team that has grown in confidence and capability, working in a supportive and collaborative way while maintaining the constructive challenge needed to deliver strong commercial outcomes, influence supplier performance and play a key role in improving how we deliver complex work across the south of England.
About SSE: SSE’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030. Our Procurement & Commercial teams help us get the best service and value from partners, while ensuring suppliers meet compliance, contractual and business obligations. SSEN Distribution, part of the wider SSE group, powers 3.9 million UK homes and businesses. Our team of more than 4,200 skilled engineers, customer service advisors and energy experts keep customers connected to a safe, reliable supply of electricity while investing in and developing the flexible networks needed for our low carbon future.
Flexible Benefits To Fit Your Life: Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.
Work with an equal opportunity employer: SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact francesca.palmer@sse.com / 01738 344763 to discuss how we can support you. We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.
Contracts Manager in Thatcham employer: Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values flexibility and collaboration. As a Senior Energy Markets Analyst, you will have the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders while gaining invaluable insights into the energy sector, all within a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a forward-thinking company.
Contact Details:
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager in Thatcham
✨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 Contracts Manager at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks!
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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 Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks or be willing to refer you for that Contracts 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 Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks who’s on the lookout for their next Contracts Manager star!
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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 Contracts Manager role at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks!
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager in Thatcham
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 Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks. 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 Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
✨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 Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks. 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!
