Commercial and Contract Management Lead; Construction

At Nuclear Waste Services (NWS), we're committed to delivering safe, secure and sustainable solutions for the UK's nuclear legacy. We're looking for a Contract Management Lead to join our Commercial team and play a key role in supporting the safe, secure and sustainable delivery of our national mission.

As Commercial and Contract Management Lead, you'll lead the management of a portfolio of construction, infrastructure and civil engineering contracts, ensuring suppliers deliver safely, compliantly and effectively.

You'll manage and develop a team of contract management professionals, working closely with project, engineering, safety, quality and finance teams to drive performance, manage risk and maximise value for money.

This is a hybrid role with regular attendance to our NWS Office based in Drigg, Cumbria.

• Lead contract management across a portfolio of construction, infrastructure and civil engineering projects in Cumbria.
• Manage, coach and develop a team of contract management professionals, building capability and driving high performance.
• Oversee the full contract lifecycle, including mobilisation, delivery, change control, supplier performance and close-out.
• Drive value for money, continuous improvement and benefits realisation through effective contract management and assurance activities.
• Collaborate with project, engineering, safety, quality and commercial teams to ensure successful contract delivery.
• Monitor performance, identify risks and opportunities, and implement improvements across the portfolio.
• Act as the escalation point for complex contractual, commercial and supplier performance matters.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with contractors and suppliers, ensuring high standards of safety, quality and performance.
• Support governance, audit and assurance activities, presenting to senior stakeholders and governance boards as required.
• Lead business improvement initiatives and deputise for the Head of Commercial Delivery when required.

• Degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience.
• Professional qualification such as MRICS, MCIPS, CIOB, MCInstCES or similar.
• Demonstrable experience in contract management, commercial management, quantity surveying, construction or infrastructure delivery

• Proven experience managing high-value, complex construction, infrastructure or civil engineering contracts.
• Strong knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 contracts, including compensation events, early warnings, programme management, payment processes, claims and dispute resolution.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong commercial acumen and contract lifecycle management expertise.
• Ability to manage supplier performance, commercial risk and contract change.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders, project teams and external suppliers.
• Experience working collaboratively across project delivery, engineering, safety, quality and commercial functions.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to turn data and performance information into meaningful insight and action

• Competitive salary £82,130 with opportunity to progress to £89,304
• Generous annual leave entitlement (25.5 days on entry) plus bank holidays and up to 13 accrued days
• Performance-related bonus scheme (up to £4,100 based on company PBI's. Additional 5% personal incentive bonus.
• Excellent pension and flexible benefits package.
• Hybrid working arrangements and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing.

If you're passionate about supporting people, building strong relationships and making a positive impact across an organisation, we'd love to hear from you.