Procurement & Contracts Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Procurement and Contracts Manager to join a leading engineering and project delivery organisation renowned for its commitment to quality, collaboration, and technical excellence. This role offers you the chance to make a significant impact across a diverse portfolio of complex projects within highly regulated sectors throughout the UK and Europe. If you are passionate about delivering efficient solutions, thrive in a collaborative setting, and are eager to develop your skills alongside some of the most talented professionals in the industry, this is the perfect next step for your career. Play a pivotal role in shaping strategic procurement initiatives for high-profile engineering and construction projects across the UK and Europe, ensuring best-in-class supply chain performance. Benefit from flexible/hybrid working options, family-friendly policies, and an inclusive culture that actively supports your personal wellbeing and professional development. Enjoy access to outstanding benefits including a company car or cash allowance, up to 6% matched contributory pension plan, life assurance scheme, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy more, employee discounts, and comprehensive training opportunities.

What You'll Do

As a Procurement and Contracts Manager, you will play an integral role in supporting all departments requiring professional services appointments throughout every stage of project delivery. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve managing end-to-end procurement processes for sub consultants, collaborating closely with legal teams to ensure contractual compliance, and maintaining rigorous supplier prequalification standards. You will also contribute strategically by developing agreements that underpin business success while providing guidance on contract forms such as NEC and IChemE. By building strong relationships with both internal teams and external partners, you will help drive operational excellence across a varied project portfolio. Your ability to manage documentation meticulously, monitor supplier performance proactively, and champion process improvements will be key to your success in this rewarding position.

• Administer the procurement process for sub consultant professional services appointments across multiple projects, ensuring compliance with internal procedures and external regulations.
• Support legal teams by reviewing and amending contract terms, ensuring main contract obligations are effectively stepped down to the supply chain partners.
• Manage the company’s prequalification system by coordinating assessments in close collaboration with relevant departments to maintain robust supplier standards.
• Contribute to the development of strategic agreements that align with business needs and support long-term organisational objectives.
• Provide expert advice on commonly used model forms of contract for UK professional services, particularly NEC suite contracts, while leveraging additional knowledge of IChemE contracts where applicable.
• Work closely with project delivery teams during both work-winning and execution phases to ensure timely appointment of professional service providers.
• Maintain accurate records of procurement activities and contract documentation in accordance with company policy and audit requirements.
• Foster positive relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders through effective communication and collaborative problem-solving.
• Monitor supplier performance against agreed KPIs to drive continuous improvement within the supply chain function.
• Support ongoing improvements in procurement processes by identifying opportunities for increased efficiency and value creation.

What You Bring

To excel as a Procurement and Contracts Manager, you will bring proven expertise gained from previous roles within engineering or construction project environments. Your deep knowledge of UK professional services contracts—particularly NEC and proficiency with Microsoft Office tools will enable you to navigate complex procurement scenarios confidently. Chartered status (MCIPS) underscores your commitment to best practice standards while your collaborative nature ensures seamless teamwork across functions. Your attention to detail is matched by your ability to juggle competing demands efficiently; meanwhile, your supportive approach fosters trust among colleagues and suppliers alike. Experience assisting legal teams further enhances your suitability for this multifaceted position. Ultimately, your blend of technical acumen, organisational skill, empathy-driven communication style, and dedication to continuous learning will set you apart as an invaluable member of the team.

• Demonstrated experience in procurement or supply chain roles within engineering or construction environments as part of project delivery teams.
• Comprehensive understanding of model forms of contract for UK professional services especially NEC suite with additional familiarity with IChemE contracts considered advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word and Excel for effective document management and reporting.
• Chartered Membership of CIPS (MCIPS) or equivalent qualification supported by relevant practical experience in procurement or contracts management.
• Strong interpersonal skills enabling you to collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments as well as external suppliers.
• Excellent organisational abilities allowing you to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail in all aspects of your work.
• A proactive approach towards problem-solving combined with a commitment to continuous improvement within procurement processes.
• Experience supporting legal teams in reviewing/amending contract terms is highly desirable for this role.
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing when liaising with stakeholders at all levels within the organisation.
• ALSO - WE ARE HAPPY TO CONSIDER CANDIDATES WITH A LAW DEGREE WITH LIMITED PROCUREMENT EXPERIENCE WHO ARE LOOKING TO TRANSITION INTO A PROCUREMENT DELIVERY ROLE.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.