Contracts and Drawing Office Manager at Unique Personnel

Job Purpose:

• The Contracts Manager is responsible for overseeing the administration and management of contracts.  This role leads the consolidation and creation of contracts and ensures smooth and efficient progress from contract creation to negotiation and execution.  The Contracts Manager will also manage the drawing office team, ensuring high-quality drawings are produced and issued.  Additionally, the role involves managing and providing technical support to Contracts Engineers, draughtsmen, and Testers, as well as resolving labour-related issues.

Principle Accountabilities:

Personnel Management:

• Motivate, train and assist staff with problem resolution
• Implement discipline in accordance with company policies
• Support the development of trainees allocated to the department
• Maintain thorough knowledge of all contracts under management, requiring regular interaction with the factory and contracts engineers

Reporting:

• Attend production meetings and report on progress and issues.
• Collaborate with the cost accountant to confirm and agree on monthly trading and cost reports.

Contractual Oversight:

• Ensure the company fulfills all contractual obligations
• Maximize contract profitability by following appropriate steps and resolving customer issues
• Work closely with the factory and Contracts Engineers to ensure timely contract delivery and avoid penalties

Drawings and Designs:

• Support the Drawing Office staff, ensuring timely submission of drawings and offering technical guidance

Obligations and Commitments:

• Maintain awareness of company commitments
• Review and approve contract variations

Liaise with Supplies:

• Maintain regular contact with suppliers to assist Contracts Engineers as necessary

Management and Budgeting:

• Ensure the achievement of the annual budget with maximum profitability
• Stay informed on technical specifications relevant to contracts
• Ensure team proficiency with software tools required for their roles
• Provide technical assistance to clients and staff, referring detailed technical matters to the Engineering Department

Communication and Liaison:

• After-hours telephonic support to customer (where required)
• Oversee communication between the company and the customer
• Attend contract meetings with Contracts Engineers as needed.
• Take immediate action on any unsafe work practices to ensure a safe work environment
• Protect company and staff assets from loss, damage, or theft
• Maintain honesty in dealings with clients, staff and suppliers
• Foster teamwork and maintain a motivated, cooperative team
• Participate in available training programs to enhance professional development
• Develop and maintain effective communication skills necessary for the role
• Possess a thorough understanding of the company's products and services

Cost Control:

• Ensure departmental expenditures align with the agreed budget
• Proactively manage and control potential overspends

Administration:

• Ensure financial reconciliations are maintained, reflecting the full financial status of each contract
• Ensure all records are maintained to provide a complete commercial history of each contract
• Allocate new orders to Contracts Engineers
• Promote the development and maintenance of office systems for greater efficiency and client responsiveness

Test Department Support:

• Ensure that you support the test department to ensure the efficient methods are followed to reduce potential delays in the testing phase of projects.
• Ensure that your team leader is empowered and trained to manage disciplinary processes
• Ensure records for all earlier testing and inspection in Final Inspection and Test records are retained as evidence of full compliance with specified requirements.

Inherent Requirements    
Minimum Qualifications and Experience Required:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Project Management Qualification
• 10 years’ experience in managing the functions of contract engineering, Production drawing office and final testing of MV products.
• In depth understanding of commercial contract conditions
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying solutions.
• MS Office 365 and MS Office experience is essential.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Solid project management experience, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Customer orientation
• Technical knowledge of products and power systems