Graduate Construction Contract Specialist

Job Description

Salary starting from £31,000, salary depending on skills & experience

Permanent, Full time, 37 Hours a week with flexibility for part time

Location: Peterborough - Hybrid Working 2-3 days in office weekly

Anglian Water offers flexible hybrid working, this role provides you the flexibility to work from home and from an Anglian Water office. Your base location will ideally be in Peterborough.

Launch your career helping to shape the contracts behind major infrastructure projects.

As a Graduate Construction Contract Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting contract management across our entire investment programme. Working at the heart of major infrastructure delivery, you’ll help shape the legal and commercial frameworks that enable projects to succeed.

In this role, you’ll gain exposure to a wide range of contract types, including construction contracts, development agreements and power purchase agreements. You will support the design of commercial models and contribute to drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, ensuring they align with legal requirements and organisational objectives.

You’ll work closely with internal teams and our supply chain in both Alliance and non-Alliance environments, supporting tender activity, preparing contract terms and amendments, and helping to manage contractual risks, claims and potential disputes. You’ll also assist in resolving contract-related issues and administering dispute avoidance processes to support effective project delivery.

This role offers valuable hands-on experience in drafting and managing construction contracts while developing your commercial and legal expertise. You’ll take ownership of your learning through a structured development plan, with opportunities to pursue relevant professional accreditations and build a strong foundation for your future career.

*Please note that this graduate role is not included in any graduate scheme.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the drafting, review and negotiation of construction and procurement contracts, including industry-standard forms such as NEC, FIDIC and IChemE.

• Contribute to the development of commercial models and contract frameworks, ensuring agreements are robust, compliant and fit for purpose.

• Assist with managing contractual risks, claims and potential disputes, helping to resolve issues early and support effective dispute avoidance.

• Provide contract advice and guidance to project teams and stakeholders, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and best practice.

• Support tender activity and the preparation of contract amendments, addendums and contractual documentation.

• Monitor supply chain and contract performance, identifying potential risks and supporting mitigation plans.

• Collaborate with internal teams and delivery partners across Alliance and non-Alliance environments to support successful project delivery.

• Promote continuous improvement in contract management, sharing lessons learned and supporting training or guidance for colleagues.

What does it take to be successful

We’re looking for a proactive and commercially minded individual with strong analytical skills and the ability to quickly understand complex information. You’ll be a confident communicator who can build effective relationships with colleagues, stakeholders and delivery partners at all levels. A collaborative team player with a practical and flexible approach, you’ll be comfortable challenging where needed and helping to drive positive solutions for the business. You’ll also be highly organised, IT-literate and motivated to continuously develop your knowledge, including embracing new tools and technologies such as AI to support smarter ways of working.

Qualifications and experience:

• Relevant professional Degree (e.g. law degree, construction law degree or equivalent)

• Knowledge and understanding of common forms of contacts in the construction sector

• Knowledge and understanding of dispute resolution practices and alternative formal practices

• Knowledge and understanding of construction law and associated legislation

• Knowledge and understanding of the NEC3 and NEC4 Suite contracts - desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of contract management practices – desirable

As a valued employee, you’ll be entitled to:

• Personal private health care

• 25 days annual leave – rising with length of service

• Flexible working

• Competitive pension scheme – Anglian Water double-matches your contributions up to 6%

• Bonus scheme

• Flexible benefits to support your wellbeing and lifestyle

Why apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity to start your career at the heart of major infrastructure delivery, gaining hands-on experience in construction contract management across a diverse and complex investment programme. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, develop your commercial and legal expertise, and build exposure to industry-standard contracts and frameworks.

With a structured development plan and opportunities to gain relevant professional accreditations, you’ll be supported to grow your skills, expand your network and progress your career. If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real impact while learning and developing in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment, this is the place to start.

Closing date: 31st March 2026

#loveeverydrop

#LI-ZP1