Senior Contracts Manager

Role Summary:

UK Docks is seeking a proactive and highly organised Senior Contracts Manager to lead the Department.

Based in South Shields and reporting to the General Manager, this role is instrumental in planning, coordinating, and delivering key projects on Royal Navy vessels.

The successful candidate will oversee the allocation of tasks within the team, ensuring alignment with contract deliverables and collaborating closely with internal teams, OEMs, contractors and MOD stakeholders to deliver a high-quality, compliant, and cost-effective service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Project team, ensuring the successful development and closeout of all technical tasks.

• Oversee planning and execution of upgrade programs, providing detailed work packages and schedules to MOD, contractors, and ships’ staff.

• Liaise with MOD representatives to ensure alignment with defence engineering and regulatory standards.

• Coordinate with internal departments, contractors, and OEMs to define scope, budgets, and resource requirements.

• Deliver projects from initial request through execution and completion, ensuring on- time and on-budget performance.

• Ensure technical solutions are delivered in a timely and effective manner, including upgrades and modifications to vessels.

• Manage cost and resource estimation, change control processes, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

• Maintain accurate technical documentation and produce comprehensive project reports.

• Attend client meetings as the lead UK Docks representative, supported by the wider project team.

• Contribute to invoice preparation and negotiate final settlements with OEMs, third parties, and shipyards.

• Ensure project delivery adheres to safety, quality, and statutory regulations.

• Monitor team performance through KPIs and provide monthly reports to the General Manager.

• Maintain awareness of industry standards and classification requirements.

• Undertake any other technical or operational duties as required.

 

Qualifications & Experience:

Essential:

• Demonstrated experience in project or contract management, preferably within defence, marine, or shipbuilding sectors.

• HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical, Marine, or Electrical Engineering (or related field).

• Experience managing cross-functional teams and multiple technical workstreams.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills at all levels.

• Project management certification (e.g., PRINCE2, APM, PMP).

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint).

Desirable:

• Background supporting MOD-managed assets, particularly Royal Navy or RFA.

• Knowledge of Classification Societies, Flag State requirements, and defence regulations.

Benefits:

• 23 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 4 years), plus bank holidays.

• Holiday buy/sell scheme.

• Flexible core working hours.

• Free on-site parking.

• Company-matched pension scheme.