At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex engineering contracts and drive best practices in commercial expertise.
- Company: Join Southeastern, one of Britain's busiest train operators with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, free rail travel, and a final salary pension.
- Why this job: Play a key role in shaping the future of rail transport while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and experience in engineering or contract management required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and mentorship.
Are you looking for a career where you can play a key role in managing complex engineering contracts and driving best practice in commercial expertise? We are seeking an Engineering Contracts Manager to join our team based from our Head Office in London Bridge (hybrid working - 3 days onsite). 2025 is the 200th anniversary of the first-ever passenger rail journey, so we’re celebrating our proud history and our bright future. Can you move people? Apply now.
What you’ll do
In this role, you’ll take ownership of Southeastern’s engineering contracts, delivering high-quality commercial expertise with a particular focus on rolling stock leasing, maintenance, and modification agreements. You’ll play a key part in supporting business planning, leading contract negotiations, and producing new contracts and variations. Working closely with Engineering Managers, Project Managers, and Commercial Managers, you’ll provide expert advice and act as a trusted partner to the wider business. Your ability to deliver accurate, timely, and relevant commercial and financial information will help shape critical business decisions and drive best practice in contract management. As a leader, you’ll also manage and mentor the Rolling Stock Contracts Manager, ensuring regular check-ins and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
The experience you’ll need
- Educated to degree standard or equivalent level of experience.
- Qualified or working towards a recognised Engineering or Contract Management professional qualification.
- Excellent commercial and financial awareness.
- Knowledge and understanding of contractual frameworks, preferably with knowledge of Railway Industry.
- Experience in an Engineering or Commercial environment.
- Experience of rail or similar transport/franchise industry (desirable).
As proud members of the Armed Forces Covenant and Disability Confident Scheme, we will offer you an interview if you apply under these schemes and meet the minimum criteria for the role.
Other things to know
This vacancy may close early if we receive a large number of applications. So, make sure you get yours in early. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references, a right to work verification, a basic criminal record check, and a pre-employment medical assessment. Work visa sponsorship isn’t available for this role. If you applied but weren’t successful in getting a similar role at Southeastern, please wait six months before applying again.
What you’ll get in return
Along with your salary, the rewards you’ll get include: a final salary pension, 25 days annual leave allowance (plus bank holidays), and free rail travel across our networks. Meaning you can feel secure in your career as well as fulfilled by your work.
A bit about Southeastern
We’re one of Britain’s busiest train operators, serving London, Kent and parts of East Sussex. We run over 1,700 trains a day, carrying more than 500,000 passengers and serving 180 stations. However, working on our railway is more than getting passengers from A to B. It’s about all the little moments that make a difference to their journey. It’s also about making our railway a great place to work. With a team that represents the communities we serve. This is a journey we’re fully committed to and we’re proud to have been named a Great Place to Work at the 2023 National Rail Awards and endorsed as a WORK180 Employer for Women. Our ways of working are what we expect of everyone at Southeastern. They are powerful. Tiny moments, every day, from every one of us, add up to massive, positive change. Improving how it feels to work here and how it feels to travel with us. At the heart of everything we do, our Safeguarding Team works to keep our customers, colleagues, and the public safe by improving safeguarding measures and knowledge making sure everyone gets home safe, every day.
Engineering Contracts Manager employer: SE Trains Ltd
Contact Detail:
SE Trains Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Contracts Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Southeastern. Building relationships can give you insider info and might just land you that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Southeastern's projects and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission and how you can contribute to our success in managing engineering contracts.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As an Engineering Contracts Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Southeastern.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Contracts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Expertise: Make sure to highlight your commercial and financial awareness in your application. We want to see how your experience aligns with managing complex engineering contracts, especially in the railway industry.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Early!: This vacancy might close early if we get a lot of applications, so don’t wait around! Get your application in through our website as soon as you can to ensure you’re in the running.
How to prepare for a job interview at SE Trains Ltd
✨Know Your Contracts
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of engineering contracts, especially those related to rolling stock leasing and maintenance. Familiarise yourself with key terms and frameworks in the railway industry, as this will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your commercial and financial awareness. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully managed contracts or negotiated terms that benefited your previous employers. This will demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality commercial expertise.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Since you'll be working closely with Engineering Managers and Project Managers, think about how you can foster collaboration. Prepare to share your approach to mentoring and managing teams, as well as how you handle conflicts or challenges within a team setting.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the company's future projects or how they measure success in contract management. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.