As a Contract Administrator within a water sector consultancy, you will play a key role in supporting the management of contracts related to advisory, environmental services, and engineering projects across multiple Adler & Allan companies. You will ensure that contracts are effectively drafted, reviewed, negotiated, tracked, and administered in accordance with internal governance requirements, legal and regulatory obligations and client expectations. The role will support a broad range of contractual arrangements, including NEC contracts, framework agreements, call-off contracts, purchase orders, subconsultancy agreements, and secondee agreements commonly used throughout the in the UK water, gas and power industry.
The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail and be able to identify, assess, and escalate contractual risks and compliance issues, helping project teams implement appropriate mitigation measures whilst negotiating with the client. The candidate will be proactive and solutions-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They should be a confident communicator capable of engaging effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
The successful candidate will also support the continued development and improvement of contract management processes, including the transition and maintenance of contract records within the FastDraft contract management system to ensure robust governance, visibility and reporting across the business
Key Responsibilities:
- Draft, review, and administer contracts for projects involving water infrastructure, asset management, environmental services, and consulting.
- Review contracts to ensure compliance with company policies, governance procedures, legal and regulatory requirements, and client obligations prior to execution.
- Support the preparation and management of NEC contracts, task orders, sub-consultant agreements, and client framework agreements.
- Identify, assess, and communicate contractual, commercial, and compliance risks, recommending appropriate mitigation measures to project and business stakeholders whilst negotiating amendments to the client.
- Lead and support improvements in contract management practices, including the migration, organisation, and ongoing maintenance of contract data and documentation within the FastDraft contract management system. This includes maintaining a central contract repository, ensuring accurate documentation and version control throughout a contract’s lifecycle.
- Monitor key milestones, deliverables, payment terms, and renewal dates. · Work closely with project managers and senior leadership to ensure compliance with contract terms and internal governance.
- Assist with contract change management, including variations, extensions, and dispute resolution.
- Prepare reports on contract performance, compliance status, and risk exposure.
- Provide guidance and support to other departments on contract-related matters.
Skills and Qualifications:
Essential:
- Experience in contract administration or commercial support within the engineering or utilities sector, ideally in the water industry.
- Familiarity with NEC suite of contracts (ECC, PSC, TSC).
- Strong attention to detail and document control.
- Ability to interpret legal, technical, and commercial contract clauses to manage risks across multiple contracts with competing priorities.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and contract management tools (e.g., CEMAR, Ariba SAP, Asite, or similar CLM systems).
Desirable:
- Understanding of UK water company procurement processes and AMP (Asset Management Plan) cycles.
- Experience working on framework agreements with water utilities (e.g., Thames Water, Severn Trent, United Utilities).
- Understanding of IR35 regulations and compliance.
- Degree or professional qualification in law, construction management, business administration, or a related field.
- Experience using contract management systems and document repositories; experience with FastDraft or similar systems would be advantageous.
Adler and Allan are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. If you require any support with your application, whatever the circumstance, please let us know.
Skills Required
- Experience in contract administration or commercial support within the engineering or utilities sector (ideally water).
- Familiarity with NEC suite of contracts (ECC, PSC, TSC).
- Strong attention to detail and document control.
- Ability to interpret legal, technical, and commercial contract clauses to manage risk.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and contract management tools (e.g., CEMAR, Ariba, SAP, Asite or similar CLM systems).
- Understanding of UK water company procurement processes and AMP cycles.
- Experience working on framework agreements with water utilities (e.g., Thames Water, Severn Trent, United Utilities).
- Understanding of IR35 regulations and compliance.
- Degree or professional qualification in law, construction management, business administration, or related field.
- Experience using FastDraft or similar contract management/document repository systems.
What We Do
Adler & Allan is a leading UK-based environmental risk reduction specialist headquartered in Harrogate. It supports organizations in managing and upgrading critical infrastructure across the asset lifecycle through three core divisions: Environmental Services, Energy Services, and Water Services. Providing turnkey solutions to the utilities sector, the company offers strategic infrastructure advice, monitoring, and environmental consultancy to help organizations reduce risk and prepare for a Net-Zero future.
