Senior Contracts Manager / Project Manager / Defence Engineering Manager
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 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.
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