Contracts Manager (Mechanical or Marine)

About the role

This is a hands‑on engineering leadership position responsible for managing mechanical, marine and defence‑related contracts within HM Naval Base Portsmouth and Royal Navy vessels. You will oversee contract delivery from tender through to completion, ensuring cost control and compliance with safety and quality standards.

Key responsibilities

• Manage multiple engineering and maintenance contracts across marine and defence projects.
• Deliver projects from tender stage to final hand‑over, controlling costs and forecasting budgets.
• Maintain commercial and contractual oversight, including NEC contract administration.
• Coordinate procurement, subcontractors and stakeholder relationships.
• Conduct technical reviews of engineering documentation and ensure RAMS preparation and HSEQ compliance.
• Plan and monitor project programmes, resources and delivery schedules.

Required profile

• Strong mechanical engineering background (HNC/HND/Degree or equivalent experience).
• Previous experience as a Contracts Manager, Project Manager or Senior Project Engineer.
• Experience in defence, marine, shipbuilding, ship repair or heavy engineering sectors.
• Commercial and contractual awareness, preferably with NEC contract experience.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain SC Security Clearance.
• Based in Portsmouth with regular work on‑site at the naval base and onboard vessels.

Required skills

• Mechanical engineering
• NEC contract administration
• RAMS preparation
• HSEQ compliance

What we offer

• Competitive salary of £60,000 per year, fully negotiable based on experience.
• Full‑time permanent role within a leading engineering resourcing firm.
• Opportunity to work on high‑profile defence and marine projects.