Commercial & Contracts Manager

Our client who are an engineering consultancy are seeking a Commercial & Contracts Manager to be based at their offices in Ringwood, Hampshire. This role will sit across their group providing support to the individual group companies. They bring together several specialist engineering and construction companies delivering design, build, and infrastructure services across the UK and Ireland. Operating at the forefront of the natural gas, low-carbon energy, and infrastructure sectors, they provide integrated engineering capability to future-proof vital networks.

Role Purpose

We are seeking an experienced Contracts & Commercial Manager to operate across our group businesses. In this pivotal role, you will champion commercial discipline, improve contract governance, and directly support our project delivery teams.

You will oversee all commercial and contractual aspects of our design and construction activities. This includes establishing group-wide governance frameworks, standardising procedures, and protecting the group's commercial interests while driving profitability.

Key Responsibilities

⚖️ Contract Management & Governance

Review, negotiate, and administer client and subcontractor contracts (including NEC3/NEC4, PSC, ECC, and bespoke forms).

Lead the standardisation of CVR reporting, subcontract reviews, and contract risk registers across all group companies.

Develop and implement a full suite of commercial procedures, contract templates, and workflows in collaboration with the COO.

Lead the review of Z-clauses, contract amendments, collateral warranties, and supply chain agreements.

Advise senior management on contractual risk exposure and mitigation strategies.

💼 Commercial Oversight & Project Delivery

Manage contract variations, compensation events, and claims preparation/defence.

Collaborate with Project Managers to monitor cash flow, valuations, financial forecasting, and margin performance.

Support project teams in final account negotiations, project closure, and dispute resolution.

Assist bid teams during the tender stage to identify commercial risks and strategic mitigation measures.

🤝 Collaboration & Support

Foster commercial awareness across design and delivery teams throughout the project lifecycle.

Provide training and guidance to internal teams on contract administration and industry best practices.

Support the Group COO and Company Directors during high-value client and framework negotiations.

Key Requirements

Experience: Minimum 5 years in a commercial or contracts management role within engineering, design, or construction.

Contract Expertise: Strong, hands-on knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 contracts, with proven experience drafting and negotiating Z-clauses.

Sector Background: Prior experience in multidisciplinary infrastructure, utilities, or energy projects.

Skills: Proven track record in change control, claims management, and contract dispute resolution.

Qualifications: Relevant degree or qualification (e.g., Quantity Surveying, Construction Law, or Commercial Management).

Chartership: MRICS or similar professional chartership is preferred but not essential.

Capability: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to manage competing priorities across multiple business entities.

Personal Attributes

Commercially Astute: A pragmatic professional who easily balances risk with commercial opportunity.

Confident Communicator: An assertive negotiator capable of professionally representing the group with clients and suppliers.

Adaptable: Process-driven yet flexible enough to support and integrate with different business cultures.

Collaborative: A team-oriented mentor who enjoys coaching and developing others