Senior Contracts Manager / Project Manager / Defence Engineering Manager Permanent | Competitive Salary + Benefits

A leading UK marine engineering organisation, UK Docks, is seeking an experienced Senior Contracts Manager to lead project delivery across high-profile defence programmes. Based in South Shields and supporting work on Royal Navy vessels, this is a key leadership role within a well-established business known for delivering complex engineering solutions in the marine and defence sectors. Key Responsibilities Lead and manage the Project team, ensuring successful delivery and closeout of all technical workstreams Oversee planning and execution of vessel upgrade programmes, producing detailed work packages and schedules Act as the main point of contact for MOD stakeholders, ensuring alignment with defence engineering standards Coordinate with internal departments, contractors and OEMs to define scope, budgets and resource requirements Deliver projects end-to-end, ensuring performance against time, cost and quality objectives Manage change control, cost estimation and continuous improvement initiatives Maintain accurate documentation and provide clear project reporting to senior leadership Represent the organisation in client meetings, leading engagement with key stakeholders Support commercial activities including invoicing and final account negotiations Ensure all activities comply with safety, quality and statut...