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Job opportunity: Senior Contracts Manager

Role: Senior Contracts Manager

Location: UK Docks Head Office, South Shields

Reports To: General Manager

Security Clearance: Required (SC level)

Role Summary:

UK Docks is seeking a proactive and highly organised Senior Contracts Manager to lead the Department.

Based in South Shields and reporting to the General Manager, this role is instrumental in planning, coordinating, and delivering key projects on Royal Navy vessels.

The successful candidate will oversee the allocation of tasks within the team, ensuring alignment with contract deliverables and collaborating closely with internal teams, OEMs, contractors and MOD stakeholders to deliver a high-quality, compliant, and cost-effective service.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and manage the Project team, ensuring the successful development and closeout of all technical tasks.

  • Oversee planning and execution of upgrade programs, providing detailed work packages and schedules to MOD, contractors, and ships’ staff.

  • Liaise with MOD representatives to ensure alignment with defence engineering and regulatory standards.

  • Coordinate with internal departments, contractors, and OEMs to define scope, budgets, and resource requirements.

  • Deliver projects from initial request through execution and completion, ensuring on- time and on-budget performance.

  • Ensure technical solutions are delivered in a timely and effective manner, including upgrades and modifications to vessels.

  • Manage cost and resource estimation, change control processes, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Maintain accurate technical documentation and produce comprehensive project reports.

  • Attend client meetings as the lead UK Docks representative, supported by the wider project team.

  • Contribute to invoice preparation and negotiate final settlements with OEMs, third parties, and shipyards.

  • Ensure project delivery adheres to safety, quality, and statutory regulations.

  • Monitor team performance through KPIs and provide monthly reports to the General Manager.

  • Maintain awareness of industry standards and classification requirements.

  • Undertake any other technical or operational duties as required.

Qualifications & Experience:

Essential:

  • Demonstrated experience in project or contract management, preferably within defence, marine, or shipbuilding sectors.

  • HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical, Marine, or Electrical Engineering (or related field).

  • Experience managing cross-functional teams and multiple technical workstreams.

  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills at all levels.

  • Project management certification (e.g., PRINCE2, APM, PMP).

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint).

Desirable:

  • Background supporting MOD-managed assets, particularly Royal Navy or RFA.

  • Knowledge of Classification Societies, Flag State requirements, and defence regulations.

Benefits:

  • 23 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 4 years), plus bank holidays.

  • Holiday buy/sell scheme.

  • Flexible core working hours.

  • Free on-site parking.

  • Company-matched pension scheme.

Application Details:

Interested applicants should email their CV and cover letter to recruitment@ukdocks.com, FAO: Kevin Hodgson, General Manager

Job opportunity: Project engineer


Role Overview 

Job Title: Project Engineer 

Location: South Shields (office-based) 

Reports To: Commercial Manager 

Security Clearance: Required (to SC level) 

UK Docks is seeking a motivated and organised Project Engineer to support our project department. This role plays a critical part in the planning and delivery of engineering projects for Royal Navy vessels. The Project Engineer will take ownership of the technical aspects of project delivery- working closely with internal departments, OEMs, contractors, and MOD stakeholders to develop, refine, and implement engineering solutions. The role reports directly to the Commercial Manager as part of the commercial team and is full-time, based in South Shields, UK. The ideal candidate will have strong project engineering skills, a solid foundation in marine, mechanical or electrical systems and a working knowledge of naval operations and engineering standards. 

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Develop, review, refine and prioritise multiple technical scopes of work in collaboration with suppliers, OEMs, and the customer. 

  • Oversee the engineering implementation of upgrades and modifications onboard vessels. 

  • Lead technical elements during project planning, ensuring all specifications and deliverables are clear and achievable.

  • Provide engineering input and oversight during contractor and OEM activities, both on-site and remotely. 

  • Liaise with MOD representatives to ensure technical alignment and compliance with defence standards. 

  • Deliver projects from initial request through to execution and close out, ensuring all deliverables are met. 

  • Support the preparation of detailed work packages. 

  • Monitor progress, resolve technical issues, and ensure adherence to safety and quality requirements. 

  • Maintain accurate technical documentation and contribute to project reporting. 

  • Assist in cost and resource estimation, change control, and continuous improvement activities. 

  • Attend project client meetings as the lead engineer, being supported by the wider UK Docks team. 

  • Proactively assist the client to eliminate project problems and/or malfunctions to ensure that there are no consequential impacts to the vessel's operational capability or availability. 

Qualifications & Attributes 

Essential: 

  • HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical, Marine, or Electrical Engineering (or similar discipline). 

  • Proven experience in a project engineering role, ideally within defence or marine sectors. 

  • Strong technical problem-solving skills with a hands-on understanding of engineering systems. 

  • Ability to manage multiple technical workstreams and liaise with diverse stakeholders. 

  • Familiarity with engineering project lifecycles, maintenance planning, and OEM coordination. 

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams). 

Desirable: 

  • Experience supporting Royal Navy, RFA, or MOD-managed assets. 

  • Knowledge of Classification Society, Flag State, and defence-specific regulations.

  • Project management training or certifications (e.g. APM, Prince2, or equivalent). 

Benefits:

  • 23 days leave per year, rising to 25 after 4 years’ service, plus bank holidays.

  • Holiday buy/sell scheme.

  • Core hours (flexible working). 

  • Free parking.

  •  Company-matched pension scheme. 

Applications to be sent to recruitment@ukdocks.com for the attention of Kevin Hodgson (General Manager) and Nick Elliott (Operations Manager). 

Strictly no agencies.