Offshore Wind
Contract Manager - Senior
As part of establishing a new UK branch for a well-established international wind turbine manufacturer, the Senior Contract Manager will lead and oversee complex, high-value contractual agreements across all project stages. This position involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams in the UK and with the parent company in China.
The Senior Contract Manager must bring deep expertise in FIDIC contracts (particularly Yellow Book), as these will be the primary forms for PSA (Project Supply Agreement), EWA (Equipment Warranty Agreement), and TSA (Turbine Supply Agreement). They will also advise on other contract forms such as LOGIC as needed.
The Senior Contract Manager will mentor and supervise Contract Managers, ensuring they provide robust commercial and contractual advice to Project Managers. Additional responsibilities include managing external counsel, driving risk mitigation strategies, and ensuring compliance with UK/EU regulations. The ability to operate effectively in a cross-cultural setting and a willingness to adapt global contractual frameworks to local requirements are critical.
Key Responsibilities
Contractual Strategy & Leadership
Define and implement contract management strategies that align with both the global corporate standards and local (UK/EU) requirements.
Provide contractual and commercial advice to Project Managers, ensuring FIDIC Yellow Book (and other relevant forms) are correctly applied and adapted.
Coordinate closely with global and local senior stakeholders to align on contractual priorities and risk allocation.
Complex Contract Negotiations
Lead or oversee high-stakes negotiations for PSA, EWA, TSA, SAA and other critical project agreements, ensuring favourable terms, risk profiles, and commercial outcomes.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Finance, Project Management, Procurement) and external partners (clients, suppliers) to finalize contract structures.
Leverage advanced knowledge of FIDIC forms (especially Yellow Book) to guide negotiation strategies and address contractual nuances.
Contract Administration & Compliance
Maintain oversight of key contract milestones, obligations, and deliverables, ensuring timely compliance from both the company and counterparties.
Drive consistent application of contract management best practices, including document control and variation/claims management.
Monitor and manage external legal counsel budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with company objectives.
Risk Management & Dispute Resolution
Proactively identify and assess contractual, legal, and commercial risks, working with cross-functional teams to develop and implement mitigation strategies.
Oversee dispute resolution processes in coordination with internal teams and external counsel, ensuring timely and strategic outcomes.
Provide guidance on when and how to seek specialist legal advice when necessary.
Mentoring & Team Development
Supervise and mentor Contract Managers, ensuring they are equipped to advise Project Managers on day-to-day contractual issues and negotiations.
Provide training on FIDIC contracts, LOGIC forms, and other relevant contract types to junior staff and cross-functional teams.
Foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration within the contract management team.
Cross-Cultural & Global Integration
Coordinate closely with the parent company’s legal and commercial teams in China, adapting global contract frameworks and ensuring alignment across regions.
Promote open and transparent communication between international stakeholders, bridging cultural and language differences.
Incorporate insights from global best practices into local contract management procedures to enhance efficiency and compliance.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation
Explore and implement contract management tools and digital solutions that streamline processes and strengthen compliance.
Keep abreast of evolving industry standards, legal regulations, and market trends that may impact contract strategies.
Drive innovative approaches to contract drafting, negotiation, and risk management, ensuring a competitive advantage in the UK offshore wind market.
Reporting & Stakeholder Communication
Prepare and present regular status reports, risk assessments, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Serve as a trusted advisor to the Senior Project Manager, Global Legal Director, and other executive stakeholders regarding critical contractual decisions.
Maintain clear records and documentation, ensuring full auditability and transparency of contractual activities.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Law, Business, Quantity Surveying, or a related field. A Master’s degree, professional legal qualification, or MBA is advantageous.
Experience
7+ years of contract management experience, including significant work with FIDIC forms (preferably Yellow Book). Experience to be principally in renewable energy projects with offshore wind favoured. Oil & Gas experience acceptable
3+ years minimum of experience in Offshore Wind
Experience negotiating PSAs, EWAs, TSAs, or similar high-value project contracts, ideally in the renewable energy or infrastructure sectors.
Proven track record of overseeing large-scale, cross-border projects with diverse stakeholder groups.
Technical Skills
Expertise in FIDIC (Yellow Book) and a strong working knowledge of other contract forms (e.g., LOGIC).
Demonstrated ability to interpret technical, financial, and legal data to guide contractual decisions.
Soft Skills
Exceptional leadership and mentoring capabilities, including the ability to develop contract teams in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with cultural sensitivity for cross-border collaborations.
Strategic mindset with a proactive approach to risk identification, dispute resolution, and continuous improvement.
Working Arrangements
Primarily office-based in the UK (Edinburgh or London) with frequent travel to manufacturing sites, China, and offshore locations for audits and inspections.
Flexible working arrangements can be discussed for the right candidates.
Involves working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth.
