Contract Manager

Contracts Manager / Cost Engineer – Major Capital Projects (Nuclear / Energy)

New Mexico

$145,000 – $180,000+ (DOE)

We are supporting a major capital investment programme within the energy and advanced infrastructure sector, seeking an experienced Contracts Manager/Cost Engineer to provide commercial leadership across a portfolio of complex engineering and construction projects within the Nuclear and Energy industries.

This is a senior, governance-led role with responsibility for setting and maintaining contract management standards, overseeing contractor performance and payments, and acting as a subject matter expert across the full project lifecycle — from early procurement through delivery and handover.

The role is ideal for a commercial professional who thrives in highly regulated environments, is comfortable operating with autonomy, and has experience managing risk, claims, and compliance on large-scale capital projects.

• Own and enforce contract management standards, processes, and procedures across multiple projects
• Provide commercial oversight of contracts supplying engineering, construction, and technical services
• Support pre-contract and procurement activities, including strategy, negotiations, and contract award
• Administer assigned contracts in line with internal governance and compliance requirements
• Review and validate payments, contractor performance, claims, and variations
• Identify upcoming commercial risks, contractual obligations, and critical deadlines
• Lead or support claims evaluation, dispute resolution, arbitration, or adjudication where required
• Act as a trusted commercial advisor to project managers and senior stakeholders
• Ensure alignment between contractual requirements, project controls, and business objectives
• Maintain high-quality contract records, audit trails, and assurance documentation
• Contribute to continuous improvement, lessons learned, and best-practice development
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and performance management for contract personnel

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or similar
• 5+ years’ experience in contracts management, negotiations, and procurement within engineering or construction
• Proven experience working across the entire project lifecycle, from concept to handover
• Demonstrated success managing claims, disputes, arbitration, litigation, or adjudication
• Strong leadership capability with the ability to operate independently and decisively
• Experience working within regulated, safety-critical, or federally governed environments

• Knowledge of FAR / DEAR or similar federal acquisition frameworks
• Experience on energy, nuclear, industrial, or large-scale capital infrastructure projects
• Background in owner-side, EPC, or programme-level contract governance
• Security cleared

Location:

New Mexico (on-site / hybrid depending on project phase)

Security:
Ability to obtain and maintain L or Q-level clearance

Environment:
Professional office and plant-based setting within a regulated facility

Base salary from $145,000 to $180,000+ (DOE)

Plus a comprehensive benefits package

Opportunity to work on a long-term, nationally significant capital programme

This is a rare opportunity to step into a true commercial authority role, shaping how contracts are managed across a major project portfolio. You’ll have influence, autonomy, and long-term stability — while working on projects that matter!