Senior Contract Manager

Senior Contracts Manager / Project Manager / Defence Engineering Manager

Please make an application promptly if you are a good match for this role due to high levels of interest.

Permanent | Competitive Salary + Benefits

A leading UK marine engineering organisation, UK Docks, is seeking an experienced Senior Contracts Manager to lead project delivery across high-profile defence programmes. Based in South Shields and supporting work on Royal Navy vessels, this is a key leadership role within a well-established business known for delivering complex engineering solutions in the marine and defence sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage the Project team, ensuring successful delivery and closeout of all technical workstreams

Oversee planning and execution of vessel upgrade programmes, producing detailed work packages and schedules

Act as the main point of contact for MOD stakeholders, ensuring alignment with defence engineering standards

Coordinate with internal departments, contractors and OEMs to define scope, budgets and resource requirements

Deliver projects end-to-end, ensuring performance against time, cost and quality objectives

Manage change control, cost estimation and continuous improvement initiatives

Maintain accurate documentation and provide clear project reporting to senior leadership

Represent the organisation in client meetings, leading engagement with key stakeholders

Support commercial activities including invoicing and final account negotiations

Ensure all activities comply with safety, quality and statutory regulations

Monitor team performance through KPIs and provide regular updates to senior management

Essential Requirements

Strong background in contract or project management within defence, marine or shipbuilding sectors

HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical, Marine or Electrical Engineering (or related discipline)

Proven experience managing cross-functional teams and multiple technical projects

Excellent communication and stakeholder management xwzovoh skills

Project management certification (e.g. PRINCE2, APM, PMP)

Proficient in Microsoft Office tools including Word, Excel, Teams and SharePoint

What’s on Offer

Competitive salary and benefits package

23 days annual leave (rising to 25 with service), plus bank holidays

Holiday buy/sell scheme

Flexible core working hours

Free on-site parking

Company-matched pension scheme

Apply Now

If you are an experienced Contracts or Project Manager with a background in defence or marine engineering and are looking to take the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you.