Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Contracts Manager to join the Estates Division, within the Asset Management (Maintenance and Data) section. The Estates Division manages a diverse and complex operational estate of over 370 buildings, supporting teaching, research, and innovation across the University.


This role is pivotal in ensuring that maintenance delivery contracts are strategically planned, negotiated, and managed to deliver value for money, compliance, and operational excellence. You will play a key part in safeguarding the University's 3.4 billion estate and supporting its long-term sustainability goals.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:


Lead contract development and strategy, aligning multi-year maintenance frameworks with the University's estate and sustainability objectives. Manage the full contract lifecycle, from tendering and evaluation to award, administration, and closeout. Negotiate high-value engineering contracts and resolve disputes, ensuring compliance with public sector procurement regulations. Monitor contractor performance against SLAs and KPIs, driving accountability and continuous improvement. Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers, influencing commercial outcomes and ensuring robust risk management. Champion process improvement, governance, and digital tools for contract management. Provide training and mentoring, sharing best practices in contract management principles and compliance.

About You

We are looking for someone who brings:


Proven experience in managing maintenance contracts across multiple buildings, including mechanical and electrical systems. Strong knowledge of contract frameworks such as NEC and JCT, and principles like SLAs, KPIs, and risk-reward mechanisms. Excellent negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships. A proactive approach to risk management, compliance, and problem-solving in a dynamic environment. Analytical and report-writing skills, with the ability to interpret data and inform strategic decisions. A relevant degree or equivalent experience, with professional qualifications (e.g., IOSH, NEBOSH, IWFM) desirable.

Benefits of working at the University of Cambridge include:

Competitive pay with automatic annual cost of living increases and service-related progression. Generous annual leave entitlement, helping you maintain a healthy work-life balance. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support your lifestyle and wellbeing. Family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave, plus access to workplace nurseries. Excellent pension scheme with a generous employer contribution through auto-enrolment. Travel and shopping discounts at over 2,000 local and national retailers. Relocation support for eligible new starters.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please email Estates Division on EDR@admin.cam.ac.uk


Please quote reference BA48644 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.


The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.


The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.



Key information


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Department/location

Estates Division - Facilities


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Salary

47,389-59,966


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Reference

BA48644


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Category

Academic-related


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Date published

28 January 2026


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Closing date

11 February 2026