Contracts Manager in London

As part of the continued expansion of our Themed Attractions Division, we are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to join our team delivering complex, high-profile projects for clients in the international themed entertainment sector. Initially based at our HQ in Portadown, the successful candidate will work alongside the Project Manager and wider delivery team, with a particular focus on the commercial, contractual and supply-chain management of the project from design development through manufacture, installation and handover.

The Contracts Manager will be responsible for protecting the company’s commercial and contractual position throughout the project lifecycle, while ensuring that contractual obligations are clearly understood, administered and maintained. Key responsibilities will include:

• Reviewing and administering the main contract, ensuring obligations, notices, milestones and deliverables are understood and maintained.
• Supporting the Project Manager in the interpretation and application of contractual requirements throughout the project.
• Managing the contractual aspects of the project from design development through manufacture, installation and handover.
• Identifying contractual and commercial risks at an early stage and ensuring appropriate mitigation measures are implemented.
• Managing contract notices, early warnings, compensation events, variations, extensions of time and claims where applicable.
• Maintaining accurate records to support the company’s contractual position, including correspondence, instructions, programme changes and site records.
• Working closely with the Project Manager to ensure programme delays, design changes and client instructions are properly assessed from a contractual perspective.
• Supporting the commercial team in the preparation, substantiation and negotiation of variations and change.
• Reviewing client and consultant instructions to identify potential cost, programme or contractual impacts.
• Ensuring subcontract and supplier agreements are aligned with the requirements of the main contract where appropriate.
• Managing contractual interfaces with key subcontractors, specialist suppliers and installation partners.
• Monitoring subcontractor performance against contractual obligations and escalating issues where required.
• Assisting with the preparation and negotiation of subcontract amendments, variations and final accounts.
• Supporting procurement by reviewing contractual terms and identifying commercial or contractual exposures before commitment.
• Working with the Project Manager to maintain a clear risk and opportunity register throughout the project.
• Preparing contractual correspondence and maintaining accurate records of key decisions and agreements.
• Supporting monthly project reporting with clear commentary on contractual risk, change and commercial exposure.
• Attending client, commercial and project meetings as required and ensuring agreed contractual actions are followed through.
• Supporting the project team during testing, completion, snagging and handover, including management of contractual close-out requirements.
• Assisting with the resolution of disputes and contractual disagreements where they arise.
• Ensuring the company’s position is protected while maintaining strong and professional relationships with clients and project stakeholders.

This role is intended to complement the Project Manager rather than duplicate the project management function. The Project Manager will retain primary responsibility for the overall coordination and delivery of the project, including programme, design, manufacture and installation. The Contracts Manager will provide dedicated focus on the contract, commercial risk, change management, contractual correspondence and supply-chain obligations, ensuring that decisions made during project delivery are properly documented and contractually managed.

We are looking for an experienced Contracts Manager with a strong understanding of contract administration within complex construction, fit-out or specialist contracting environments. You will ideally have:

• Proven experience in a Contracts Manager, Commercial Manager or senior contract administration role.
• Strong knowledge of construction and fit-out contracts and the management of contractual obligations.
• Experience managing variations, claims, notices, extensions of time and change control.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify contractual risk.
• Experience working alongside Project Managers and commercial teams on complex projects.
• Strong understanding of subcontract and supplier agreements.
• Excellent written communication skills, particularly in preparing contractual correspondence and maintaining project records.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder-management skills.
• The ability to remain commercially focused while maintaining constructive client relationships.
• Experience within themed attractions, specialist fit-out, high-end interiors, hospitality, leisure or entertainment environments would be advantageous.
• Previous experience delivering international projects would also be beneficial.

The role will initially be based at our Portadown HQ, working closely with the project team during the design, procurement and manufacturing phases. As projects progress into installation, the role may transition to international site-based assignments, supporting project delivery and contract administration on site. Candidates should therefore be comfortable with international travel and periods working on project sites globally.

This is an opportunity to join a growing division delivering highly bespoke international projects and to play a key role in ensuring those projects are managed effectively from a contractual and commercial perspective. If you are an experienced Contracts Manager who combines strong contractual knowledge with a practical understanding of complex project delivery, we would like to hear from you.