Senior Contract Manager / Senior Project Manager in South Shields

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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