Assistant Contract Manager

A little bit about us: East West Rail is a nationally significant railway project which aims to deliver much-needed transport connections for the vibrant communities between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. Together these communities contribute around £111 billion to the national economy each year. EWR is one of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects, which the government committed to delivering in full in the Autumn 2024 Budget, and again in the 2025 Spending Review as part of its ambition to unlock the potential of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor. EWR is being championed by the Government as a key driver to economic growth leading to a potential £78 Billion boost to the UK economy: supporting new towns, housing, and regeneration. Role Summary: This role will provide support to EWR Co’s Commercial and Contract Management team (Professional Services) across defined categories / directorates within East West Rail. They will support the implementation and operation of robust processes over the commercial affairs of East West Rail and help ensure that Contracts are successfully managed to deliver the expected outcomes. As an Assistant Contract Manager, you may be called upon to support different stages of the procurement lifecycle; however, the principal focus will be support for the management of contractual obligations, variations, supplier performance and payments. What you'll be doing Work with stakeholders in order to understand the needs of the business. Develop a good understanding of key contracts assigned, including the products/services being bought, pricing, processes, opportunities, and risks. Support the implementation of effective contract management plans, providing support to Contract Managers as required. Support the production of commercial correspondence and records, and contractual notices for issue in accordance with contractual conditions. Support the assessment and valuation of supplier / contractor’s applications and processing of payment certification in accordance with processes, contractual terms, and conditions and commensurate with contractual entitlement. Monitor and report spend, risk, performance, and contract obligations through KPIs and SLAs , across a portfolio of contracts using the tools and systems provided. Develop good understanding of the Contract Management System, follow the processes to ensure database is kept up to date. Support in the administration of contract electronic communication software. Support engagement with internal stakeholders to build close, trusted relationships and to ensure a full understanding of expected outcomes. If requested by the Head of Contract Management, support Finance and their Purchase to Pay Team, providing holiday cover for the Accounts Payable Assistant. Support the analysis of contract data to identify opportunities to work closer with strategic suppliers, improve processes or work differently to create additional value for EWR and its stakeholders. Skills Knowledge and Expertise Experience: Background in contract management, specifically using NEC3 and NEC4 contracts (including PSCs, Options A-E, Target Cost/Defined Cost). Experienced in the administration of construction / engineering contracts. Knowledge: Appreciation of legal and regulatory requirements related to the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016, the Procurement Act 2023 and UK procurement regulations. Skills: Ability to communicate at all levels of the organisation and with wider stakeholders. A collaborative and imaginative approach to supplier management. Qualifications: Working towards membership of a relevant professional body e.g. RICS, ICE. Relevant degree / HNC desirable, such as in surveying, engineering, construction or equivalent demonstrable project experience. Benefits Competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience Up to 12% employer pension contribution to support your future 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) plus the option to buy up to 2 extra days 2 volunteering days, a chance for you to give back to the community Enhanced family-friendly policies to support you and your loved ones Life assurance (4x your annual salary) for peace of mind Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support when you need it Access to Perkbox for a wide range of discounts and wellbeing benefits Recognition programme, including on-the-spot and annual awards Advanced learning and development opportunities to help you grow. Diversity and Inclusion: At East West Railway Company, we’re committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple - to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from all backgrounds and experiences. If you want to connect lives and unlock the future, then we’d love to hear from you.