Senior Contract Manager in Derry, Londonderry

Job Description

Due to continued expansion, we are seeking an experienced Senior Contract Manager to join our team with immediate effect. Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, you will take ownership of all contractual and commercial aspects of key projects on the “buy-side” — managing supplier and subcontractor contracts from procurement through to final account close-out. You will be responsible for ensuring that all subcontracts are properly aligned back-to-back with main contract obligations, that contractual entitlements are protected, and that disputes and claims are managed proactively and resolved efficiently. The role involves close liaison with project teams, engineers, procurement, and other business units. The role can be based at Vertiv’s office in Burnfoot, County Donegal, Ireland or Campsie, Northern Ireland.

Key Responsibilities

Contract & Commercial Management

• Full lifecycle contract management of supplier and subcontractor agreements — from inception, through costing, procurement, installation, commissioning and handover to client
• Drafting, negotiating and executing subcontracts ensuring back-to-back alignment with main contract terms, risk allocation, and programme obligations
• Monitoring and maintaining supplier commercial contracts within the overall project programme
• Ensuring all contractual entitlements are identified, captured, formally notified, and resolved in a timely manner

Disputes, Claims & Variations

• Leading the management of all supplier/subcontractor disputes, claims, and counterclaims
• Handling contract variations including early identification of changes, proper documentation, and initiation of appropriate contractual mechanisms
• Managing formal dispute resolution processes including negotiation, mediation, adjudication, and arbitration where required
• Challenging subcontractor costs, build-ups, and entitlement positions to ensure contractual compliance and margin protection

Advisory & Governance

• Providing day-to-day commercial and contractual guidance to project and technical teams, identifying problem areas with a constructive approach to resolution
• Ensuring contractual notification obligations are met — protecting entitlement through timely and compliant notices
• Monitoring and reporting of project expenditure and cost control across the supply chain
• Preparing and maintaining Contract Key Terms / Contract Summary documentation for all assigned projects

Leadership

• Management and development of commercial team members
• Responsible for all financial and management reporting aspects of assigned projects

Essential Criteria

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in a contract management role with a strong focus on supplier/subcontractor management
• Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Law, or a related field
• Strong legal contracting background with significant commercial focus, particularly in buy-side contract negotiation and administration
• Demonstrable experience in managing contractual disputes, claims, and variations
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Proven ability to draft, review, and negotiate subcontract agreements

Desirable Criteria

• Construction law qualification (e.g., Diploma or MSc in Construction Law)
• Proven working knowledge of construction claims, adjudication, arbitration, or other formal dispute resolution mechanisms
• Experience ensuring back-to-back subcontract alignment with main contract obligations
• Career experience within large contracting or engineering organisations managing complex supply chains
• Working knowledge of ERP systems
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., RICS, CIOB, SCL)

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About The Team

Equal Opportunity Employer

We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability.