Cost and Contract Lead

Date: 5 Dec 2024

Location: London, Central, GB

Company: ABP

Role Purpose:

We’re the UK's largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK's seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year.

 

It’s a story we’re proud of but it doesn’t end there. We’re transforming our business and embracing the future.

 

We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.

 

We offer a competitive salary, contributory pension from day one (Starting at 3% employee up to 10% matching, private healthcare, access to our Employee Assistance Program, 26 days annual leave with the option to purchase additional days leave. A wide range of discounts and cash back with high street and online retailers. We offer an inclusive work environment with an in-house training academy which offers ongoing opportunities to develop your skills.

 

We have recently appointed a new Group Head of Procurement who has an exciting business plan in place. Due to this we are looking for a Cost & Control's Lead based within the UK.

 

This is a unique opportunity to join ASSOCIATED BRITISH PORTS as a Cost and Control Lead. In this pivotal role, you will serve as a leader in delivering value through the strategic management of contractual and cost matters. You will play a critical part in driving collaboration across functions, adapting strategies to the local context while improving the efficacy of existing resources the Profession lead, the Cost & Contract Management Lead is responsible for leading, you will lead, develop, and support the contract and growth of capability and build the Centre of Excellence for Cost & Contract Management within ABP. This position requires exceptional leadership skills in strategic relationship management and strategic direction setting.

Strategic Oversight and Leadership

  • Possess extensive client-side experience with a preference for additional exposure to contractor-side operations to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the construction ecosystem as well as contract management for Good and Services
  • Responsible for steering the Cost and Contract Management (CCM) operations with budgets ranging from GBP 5 million to over GBP £1.5bn, requiring significant financial oversight and strategic acumen.
  • To enhance financial returns by expediting project delivery, minimising capital expenditures, and fostering a proactive commercial response to market dynamics and ability to respond to commercial opportunities.
  • Mature a strong contract management regime with Commercial colleagues and Senior Leaders.
  • Possess the skills and experience to actively support the internal team and manage resources on technically complex projects/programme of works typically ranging between £5m and £100m+.
  • Experience of leading large Good and Services contract management ranging from £1m to £50m

Contract Strategy and Risk Management

  • Develop strategic contract management approaches to align with collaborator goals, optimizing the distribution of contractual risk.

Team Development and Support

  • Implement and monitor a resource management strategy for the Cost and Contract Management (CCM) function, integrating both internal and external talent to meet ABP demands.
  • Provide mentorship and development for the CCM teams, encouraging professional growth and operational excellence.

Governance and Compliance

  • Establish governance protocols to be applied across ABP.
  • Uphold the integrity of the procurement process from initiation to contract award, guaranteeing transparency and fairness and supporting procurement governance requirements.

Performance Measurement

  • Establish and track critical metrics for the CCM function to measure performance and identify areas for improvement within internal teams and our external supply chain.

About You

  • Expert in Contract Strategy and Practice, including familiarity with NEC3/4, ICC, and FIDIC contractual frameworks.
  • Expert in Cost Estimating and Budgeting, underpinned by robust Commercial Management skills.
  • Demonstrable ability to navigate Conflict Avoidance, Dispute Resolution, Adjudication, and Arbitration scenarios.
  • Advanced understanding of Value Management and Value Engineering principles, with proven application in project delivery.

Desirable Skills

  • Experience in Project Management Office (PMO) operations, Data Management, strategic Reporting, and Risk Management practices.
  • Experience of integrating delivery of complex IT services from multiple suppliers or contracts, possibly gained in a large systems service or supplier environment.

Soft Skills

  • Strong Leadership presence, proficient mentoring abilities, outstanding communication and negotiation skills, critical analytical thinking, and effective time management.

Software-related Skills

  • Skilled in software for Estimating & Cost Planning, adept at Contract Administration, Planning & Scheduling, detailed in Data Analysis, Risk Management, Document Management, and the use of Business Applications relevant to the construction industry.

Academic Qualifications

  • A bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying, Construction Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience, is required. A postgraduate degree in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution, or equivalent experience, is highly desirable.

Professional Qualifications & Memberships

  • Must be accredited as a member or Fellow of RICS, CIArb, or an equivalent professional body.

Additional Information:

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.


Job Segment: Supply Chain, Procurement, Construction, Supply, Engineer, Operations, Engineering