Job Description
Contracts Manager
Scotland Based
Permanent – Full time; Flexible Location within Scotland (Hybrid/Office/Work from Home)
Competitive Salary + Flexible Benefits
Summary
Freedom are seeking a new Contracts Manager to manage the full lifecycle of complex, high-value commercial aspects on major 33kV projects, with a mixture of substation and underground cable works. You will take the lead on obtaining prices for sub-contract packages of work, delivering accurate and tailored quotations while meeting deadlines; and ensuring that contract requirements flow down to third parties, and documentation is in place for the operational delivery phase, reporting into the Commercial Manager.
The candidate will be Scotland based and able to travel to work at the construction sites throughout northern Scotland, notably the Inverness and Orkney regions, but travel elsewhere throughout Scotland may be required. The role is home based, with the option of working from one of our current (or future) office locations in Glasgow, Perth or Inverness; some travel is expected.
Responsibilities include tender management, contract drafting, negotiation, and post-contract administration, focusing on cost-efficiency, safety, and compliance with NEC3/NEC4 standards and Employer Frameworks which Freedom operate under.
Development into a full Commercial role is available to the right candidate following approved training and achievement of Professional qualifications.
If you thrive in a fast-paced, business-critical environment, this is the role for you.
Some of the key deliverables in this role will include:
* Own & Develop the Client Relationship – Foster a "one-team" approach to service delivery.
* Financial & P&L Management – Deliver cost-effective solutions while maintaining outstanding customer satisfaction.
* Manage Supplier Performance – Develop relationships with and ensure third-party contractors meet timescales and provide comprehensive bids that reflect the quality and programme of works.
Key Responsibilities:
* Tender & Procurement: Provide assistance to the Tendering Manager and Estimator during the tender process from invitation to contract award, aiming for lowest total cost of ownership and best value. On site Surveys/site assessments and evaluate any risks and potential problems/financial delivery damages. Evaluations of options or alternatives. Responsible for the checking of accuracy and completeness of Employer, 3rd party documents and engineering specifications. Produce formal quotation documentation. Attend handover meetings were required and explain project scope, estimate, clarifications and assumptions.
* Contract Negotiation & Risk: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, including legal terms and conditions to mitigate commercial risks.
* Commercial Management: Delivering post-contract commercial management services, including cost forecasting, budget management, and contractor performance management.
* Strategic Support: Supporting Project Management teams on large-scale infrastructure projects and ensuring compliance with procurement manuals and governance.
* Stakeholder Management: Engaging with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to manage relationships and resolve disputes.
Requirements:
* Ensure that all work is carried out in accordance with the standards, policies and procedures of Freedom Group and its customers.
* Proven ability to manage budgets and deliver cost-effective solutions.
* Able to interpret engineering drawings, relay details and resolve any queries with the PM/Project Engineer/Design Engineers.
* Working closely with the Project Manager, Engineering and Estimating teams, proactively anticipating and communicating risks, issues and progress to the project team.
* Proactively managing H&S risks, issues & concerns so that an accident and incident free culture is maintained, including flow down of requirements to third parties.
* Maintain awareness of H&S policy and rules and keep up to date on changes that impact your role.
* Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations at procurement stage, ensuring third parties include their Duties in their tenders.
* Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and build strong relationships at all levels.
What we’re looking for:
* A detailed knowledge of Underground and Overhead EHV, HV & LV switchgear, installations, cabling/overhead conductors, terminations and metering
* Previous experience of an estimating role or delivery background involving exposure to a wide range of DNO/IDNO/ICP connections projects
* Advanced knowledge/experience of the Microsoft Office suite.
* A full driving licence
* DNO Experience (Procurement Processes)
* Experience: Proven experience in commercial/contract management, ideally within the energy or construction sectors. Background in Procurement would be advantageous.
* Contract Knowledge: Deep understanding of NEC contracts (NEC3/NEC4) and relevant legislation (e.g., Utilities Contract Regulations 2016, CDM Regulations 2015).
* Commercial Acumen: Strong skills in cost estimating, budgeting, forecasting, and negotiation.
Benefits:
We're always evolving our benefits to ensure we're attracting and retaining great people. Some of what you can expect includes:
* Car/Car allowance
* Salary sacrifice car scheme (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle)
* Pension with a leading provider and up to 8% employer contribution
* 25 days holiday
* Personal Wellbeing and Volunteer Days
* Private Medical Insurance
* Free 24/7 365 Employee Assistance Program to support mental health and well-being (including counselling sessions and legal advice)
* Flexible benefits to suit from Dental Insurance, Gym Memberships, Give As You Earn, Travel Insurance, Tax Free Bikes.
* Personal development programme
Next Steps
As a business, we’re on a journey to build on our culture where everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. This starts with recruitment and how we bring people into the organisation.
We’ll do our best to outline the recruitment process to you ahead of time with