FPT- Cost & Contract Manager (Cardiff, Central, GB)

Career Opportunity: Senior Cost & Contract Manager - Shaping the Future of UK Trade

Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK's largest port operator, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Cost & Contract Manager to join their dynamic Major Projects team in South Wales. This is a truly exceptional opportunity to play a pivotal role in transforming the future of UK trade, with flexible working arrangements available.

ABP manages a vast network of 21 ports across the UK, boasting an impressive 87km of quay and 5,000 hectares of port estate, handling approximately 100 million tonnes of cargo annually. With significant investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, and port development, ABP is at the forefront of innovation. This role is integral to ABP's ambitious growth strategy, focusing on transforming new opportunities into tangible realities through robust contract management and optimal value from their extensive contracts.

The Opportunity: A Once-in-a-Generation Impact

This position offers a unique chance to spearhead the cost and contract management for ABP's Major Projects, with a particular focus on the groundbreaking Future Port Talbot (FPT) programme. As a senior professional within the Cost & Contract Management (CCM) team, you will be instrumental in delivering projects valued from £20 million to £1 billion. These encompass a diverse range of critical developments, including terminal buildings, warehousing, marine works, and cutting-edge renewable and green energy initiatives.

Your core responsibility will be to optimise financial performance and value throughout the entire project lifecycle. This includes meticulous cost planning, proactive risk management, and expert contract negotiation, management, and administration. You will collaborate closely with a highly experienced internal team of project managers, designers, engineers, legal advisors, and procurement professionals, as well as external consultants and contractors. This role is central to the CCM and FPT teams, providing best-in-class advice and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, talent development, and an unwavering commitment to safety.

What You'll Be Doing: Key Responsibilities

• Providing expert cost and contract management, tailored to project specific needs and risk profiles, with a high degree of autonomy.
• Taking full ownership of all project-related costs and implementing effective cost management strategies.
• Managing supplier contracts primarily through the NEC4 suite, ensuring compliance and optimal outcomes.
• Overseeing and accountability for external cost consultants and their deliverables.
• Offering strategic advice on cost, commercial, contractual, and procurement matters to the Major Projects team.
• Playing a crucial role in the procurement process, including the preparation and review of contract documentation, terms and conditions, and tender documents to ensure appropriate risk allocation.
• Collaborating with the CCM Group Lead to ensure alignment on key decisions, commercial strategies, and the prompt notification of any potential disputes, adhering to group best practices.
• Ensuring the consistent and appropriate integration of new statutory provisions into contracts.

What We're Looking For: Your Expertise and Experience

ABP is seeking candidates with a strong technical foundation in cost, commercial, and contract management, particularly within complex infrastructure environments. Essential expertise includes:

• Technical Background: Proven experience in marine/maritime, civil and infrastructure, and mechanical and electrical sectors.
• Major Project Experience: A track record of providing contract and cost expertise to major projects, working within multidisciplinary teams throughout the entire project lifecycle.
• Project Delivery Strategies: Proficiency in developing Project Delivery Strategies, including risk identification, authoring, and negotiating various forms of contract and bespoke agreements.
• Problem-Solving & Independence: A demonstrated ability to think logically, solve complex problems, and deliver project requirements with minimal supervision.
• Communication & Negotiation: Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Qualifications: An Honours degree, or equivalent relevant experience, in Construction Commercial Management (e.g., Quantity Surveying) or a related field.
• Professional Accreditation: A relevant professional qualification/Chartership (e.g., MRICS, MCIOB or equivalent).
• NEC4 Expertise: Exceptional knowledge and practical experience in the administration of the NEC4 suite of contracts.
• IT Proficiency: Strong IT skills, including advanced proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and experience with cost management software (e.g., CostX, Causeway, CostOS).

Advantages for Your Career Path:

This role presents a significant opportunity for career advancement and professional development:

• Impactful Projects: Be at the forefront of shaping the future of UK trade through involvement in large-scale, transformative projects like Future Port Talbot.
• Broad Exposure: Gain extensive experience across a wide range of project types, from traditional infrastructure to renewable energy.
• Senior Leadership: Work alongside and learn from a team of highly experienced professionals, positioning you for future leadership roles.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to and benefit from a culture that values continuous improvement and talent development.
• Competitive Remuneration: ABP offers a generous remuneration package, including an employer pension, private health insurance, and other attractive benefits.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

When considering this opportunity, please note the following:

• Location: While based in South Wales, flexible working arrangements are available.
• Pre-employment Checks: Successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment screening, including Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance and will require consent for these checks.
• Health & Safety: ABP maintains a zero-tolerance policy for substance abuse, with random screening and a mandatory medical examination required before commencement.

ABP is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals. This is an exciting chance to join a leading organisation and make a lasting contribution to the UK's maritime and industrial future.