Contract Manager

Contract Manager

JSM Group Services Ltd.

THE COMPANY

At JSM Group, we don't just deliver power and communication solutions — we build the infrastructure that powers the future.

Established in 1998, JSM Group is a leading specialist infrastructure engineering company delivering complex power, digital and utility infrastructure across the UK and Europe. Our projects span high-voltage power infrastructure, grid connections, data centres, renewable energy and other critical infrastructure.

Our full turnkey solution teams manage the complete project scope, helping clients plan and deliver complex infrastructure projects at speed, on time and with reduced legislative, technical and project risks.

As JSM continues to expand its presence in Germany, we are looking for an experienced Contract Manager to support the successful delivery of our infrastructure projects and help manage our growing contractual portfolio.

THE TEAM

Our German Power Division plays a critical role in delivering complex infrastructure projects across the energy sector.

You will join our Germany team supporting medium-sized infrastructure projects involving the installation of high-voltage cable systems and substations.

Working closely with project delivery teams and key stakeholders, you will ensure that contractual requirements are clearly understood, properly administered and effectively managed throughout the project lifecycle.

We are looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Contract Manager with a strong background in construction contract management and proven knowledge of German construction law, procurement practices and regulatory compliance.

SCOPE OF ROLE

As Contract Manager, you will be responsible for managing the full contractual lifecycle of JSM's infrastructure projects in Germany — from contract drafting and negotiation through to administration, compliance, amendments, claims and close-out.

Reporting to the CEO of JSM GmbH, you will provide contractual guidance to project teams and stakeholders, ensuring contractual obligations are effectively managed and potential contractual risks are identified and addressed throughout project delivery.

This is a hybrid role requiring regular presence in our German offices, with travel to project sites as required.

HOW YOU'LL SUCCEED

You will succeed in this role if you can combine strong contractual expertise with commercial awareness, sound judgement and a practical approach to project delivery.

You'll bring:

• Contractual expertise – you understand complex construction and infrastructure contracts and can translate contractual requirements into practical guidance.

• Commercial awareness – you understand how contractual decisions can affect project cost, risk, programme and commercial outcomes.

• Negotiation skills – you can confidently represent JSM's contractual interests while maintaining constructive relationships with clients and partners.

• Attention to detail – you understand the importance of accurate documentation, deadlines, notices and contractual procedures.

• Sound judgement – you can assess contractual risks, claims and disputes and recommend appropriate courses of action.

• Ownership – you take responsibility for contractual matters from initial drafting through to completion and close-out.

• Stakeholder management – you are comfortable working with project teams, clients, subcontractors, suppliers and other stakeholders.

• Adaptability – you can operate effectively in a fast-moving infrastructure environment where priorities can change.

• International mindset – you are confident communicating and working across German and international teams in both German and English.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Contract Management

• Manage the full contractual lifecycle, including drafting, review, negotiation, execution, administration, amendments and close-out.

• Draft and review construction contracts, subcontract agreements, supplier agreements, NDAs and service agreements in German and English.

• Lead contract negotiations with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and other third parties.

• Monitor contractual obligations, deadlines, notices and deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.

• Maintain accurate and complete contract records and documentation.

• Support project close-out, including final contractual documentation and completion of outstanding contractual obligations.

Contractual Risk & Compliance

• Identify contractual risks and provide clear, practical contractual guidance to project stakeholders.

• Ensure contracts and project activities comply with applicable German legislation and contractual requirements.

• Apply knowledge of relevant German construction legislation, including BGB, VOB/B and HOAI, as well as relevant EU requirements.

• Monitor changes to German construction law, procurement requirements and other relevant regulations.

• Advise internal stakeholders on the potential impact of legal and regulatory changes on project contracts.

• Support project teams in maintaining contractual compliance throughout project delivery.

Variations, Claims & Disputes

• Manage contractual changes, variations, claims and disputes in accordance with the relevant contract terms.

• Review contractual notices and ensure they are issued within the required contractual timeframes.

• Support the resolution of contractual issues and disputes with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and other stakeholders.

• Assess contractual and commercial risks associated with claims and changes.

• Provide clear recommendations to project and senior leadership teams on contractual matters.

Project & Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with Project Managers, Commercial teams and other project stakeholders to ensure contractual requirements are understood and effectively managed.

• Provide contractual guidance throughout project delivery.

• Support project teams in interpreting and applying contractual terms.

• Build constructive working relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and consultants.

• Manage multiple contractual matters across projects and sites while maintaining strong attention to detail.

WHAT IT TAKES

Essential Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in contract management or a closely related contractual or legal role.

• Experience managing contracts within the construction, infrastructure, engineering or energy sectors.

• Strong experience managing the full contract lifecycle, from drafting and negotiation through to administration and close-out.

• Experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating construction contracts, subcontract agreements and supplier agreements.

• Strong knowledge of German construction and contract law, particularly BGB and VOB/B.

• Experience managing contractual changes, claims, disputes and contractual notices.

• Experience working with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and other contractual stakeholders.

• Understanding of procurement processes and regulatory requirements relevant to construction and infrastructure projects.

• Strong contractual interpretation, negotiation and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple contractual matters simultaneously.

• Strong written and spoken German and English — minimum C1 level.

• Willingness to travel between German offices and project sites as required.

Desirable Experience

Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous:

• High-voltage infrastructure projects, including cable systems and/or substations.

• Utilities, energy, data centres or wider infrastructure.

• Working within an international organisation.

• FIDIC, NEC or other recognised construction contract frameworks.

• Complex contractual disputes or claims.

• Managing contracts across multiple projects or sites.

• Contract management systems or digital contract administration tools.

• AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, Claude or similar platforms.

A recognised legal, contractual or professional qualification would be beneficial, including:

• FIDIC training

• NEC training

• VOB training

• Relevant German law qualification

• Professional contract management certification

A Bachelor's degree in Law, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience, would be advantageous.

If you meet most but not all of the above requirements, we'd still like to hear from you. We look at what you've delivered and what you're capable of — not just the list.

WHY JOIN US?

This is an exciting time to join JSM as we continue to build our presence in Germany and across Europe.

As Contract Manager, you will have the opportunity to play a key role in supporting major infrastructure projects while helping establish and strengthen JSM's contractual capabilities in the German market.

You will have:

• The opportunity to work on complex infrastructure and high-voltage power projects.

• Exposure to major clients, contractors and infrastructure partners.

• Significant responsibility and autonomy.

• Direct exposure to senior leadership.

• The opportunity to influence contractual processes and ways of working as the German business grows.

• An international working environment across Germany, the UK and wider Europe.

• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

• The opportunity to contribute to the successful delivery of JSM's European growth strategy.

OUR VISION & VALUES

Our Vision

• To be an employer of choice.

• To be the most trusted utility infrastructure services provider.

• To safely deliver sustainably efficient utility networks.

Our Values

Our values are at the heart of how we work:

Integrity | Respect | Continuous Improvement | Responsibility | Diversity & Inclusiveness | Unity

We are looking for someone who demonstrates these values in the way they manage contractual matters, work with stakeholders and support our project teams.

ENGINEERED TO BELONG

At JSM Group, we're not just shaping the future of utilities — we're raising the bar for what a great place to work looks like.

Our values aren't words on a wall. They drive every decision we make and every project we take on, pushing us to go further, do better and leave a real mark on the industry.

We want people who are hungry to grow, ready to take on complex challenges and excited to work alongside clients and partners who are changing the landscape of the utility sector across the UK, Europe and beyond.

In return, we give you the room to develop, the work to stretch you and the platform to build a career that has a real impact.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

In addition to an industry-competitive salary, we offer:

• Professional development and training opportunities

• Mentoring and coaching

• Exposure to complex infrastructure projects

• An international working environment

• Opportunities for career development and progression

• Hybrid working

• The opportunity to work across German and international teams

DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

JSM Group is an equal opportunities employer. We're building teams that reflect the communities and clients we work for, and we believe better engineering comes from bringing different experiences into the same room.

We're committed to making our recruitment process accessible. If you need an adjustment at any stage — whether to the application, interview format or assessment — please let us know and we'll work with you to support your needs.

Every application is assessed based on skills, experience and potential.

JSM operates a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of discrimination, abuse or harassment.