Lead Contract Manager

Role Overview

• Provide first‑line leadership and develop a high‑performing team of Contract Managers.
• Lead and support the development, performance management and progression of Contract Managers, ensuring capabilities align to portfolio needs.
• Support recruitment activity, including shortlisting, interviewing and onboarding
• Maintain a resilient and well-balanced team, ensuring appropriate allocation of work and sustained performance across portfolios.
• Ensure team records, management information and contract data are accurate, complete and maintained in line with agreed standards.
• Act as Account Manager for assigned contracts, providing leadership oversight and ensuring effective management of contract portfolios across the contract lifecycle.
• Ensure contracts are operated in accordance with contractual terms and scheme requirements, owning the identification and analysis of contractual issues and developing options and recommendations through established governance and delegated approval frameworks.
• Act as a trusted advisor to counterparties and government stakeholders, providing pragmatic solutions within the parameters of the contractual agreement.
• Build and maintain trust through developing strong, constructive relationships with counterparties, underpinned by regular engagement and effective communication.
• Undertake site visits and attend counterparty offices as required, using face‑to‑face engagement to strengthen relationships and delivery outcomes.
• Take ownership of relationships at an account management level, whilst supporting Contract Managers to manage for relationships at a working project level.
• Collaborate with internal teams, such as Policy, Operations, Finance and Legal to review contractual milestones, claims, amendments and contractual issues.
• Ensure robust governance and approval processes are followed consistently, and clear, accurate papers are drafted for internal governance approvals.
• Retain responsibility for budget oversight and cost control within your team and portfolio, ensuring spend is justified, proportionate and aligned with approval frameworks.
• Identify emerging risks or issues early, take ownership of developing mitigations and options, and know when to escalate to more senior colleagues.
• Understand developments across the energy industry, landscape, and relevant technologies, and translate complex information about trends and key facts into clear insights.
• Provide clear, concise and timely briefings to senior stakeholders on portfolio performance, risks and emerging issues.
• Maintain awareness of potential changes to government policy or guidance, and work with colleagues across the business to interpret them and the implications for the schemes and contracts.
• Lead and support the development and continuous improvement of company and directorate contract management policies, procedures, processes, systems and guidance.
• Contribute to wider Scheme Delivery and LCCC initiatives, sharing expertise and supporting cross-directorate working and collaboration to support successful business outcomes.

Requirements

• A self-starting leader and commercial contract manager with extensive relevant contract and people management experience.
• Leadership of operational contract management including team leadership and people line management, administration of complex contracts, negotiation and change management and claim and dispute management
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a pragmatic and solutions‑focused approach to resolving complex contractual and commercial issues.
• Commercial acumen with extensive experience of analysing and developing solutions to high-value (£m+) complex commercial and contractual issues whilst maintaining effective relationships.
• A demonstrable ability to build, maintain and develop effective working relationships with multiple stakeholders, including senior stakeholders.
• Experience of relevant legal, regulatory and contract management issues.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, presentation) including the ability to clearly explain complex technical, commercial, and contractual issues to a range of audiences.
• High attention to detail, with the ability to interpret and apply contractual requirements accurately.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, with a professional and approachable manner.
• Willingness to travel to stakeholder sites and offices and build relationships face‑to‑face as required.
• Relevant experience in power generation, the wider energy sector or hydrogen and/or CCUS industries
• Good understanding of the current UK energy policy landscape and regulations, including power and renewables sectors
• Knowledge or experience of Contracts for Difference (CfD) or similar long-term infrastructure support mechanisms.
• Experience of project finance structures or transactional processes.
• Proven project management experience

Benefits

• Annual performance based bonus, up to 10%
• 25 days annual leave, plus eight bank holidays
• Up to 8% pension contribution
• Financial support and time off for study relevant to your role, plus a professional membership subscription
• Employee referral scheme (up to £1500), and colleague recognition scheme
• Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity leave and shared parental leave
• Free, confidential employee assistance, including financial management, family care, mental health, and on-call GP service
• Three paid volunteering days a year
• Season ticket loan and cycle to work schemes
• Family savings on days out and English Heritage, gym discounts, cash back and discounts at selected retailers
• Employee resource groups