Contracts Manager

Our client is a growing highways and civil engineering contractor delivering projects across the South East and London. They are seeking a commercially minded Contracts Manager to take ownership of highways and infrastructure projects from pre-construction through to completion and final account.

About the Role

This senior position offers genuine responsibility and autonomy across a varied portfolio of highways and civil engineering works, including S278, S38 and S50 highway works, highway maintenance, drainage, kerbing, footways, cycleways, carriageway construction and surfacing.
The successful applicant will ensure projects are properly planned, resourced and delivered safely, efficiently, on programme and within budget. The role will involve planning, allocating, sourcing and appointing labour, gangs, plant, subcontractors and other resources to meet programme requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage highways and civil engineering projects from pre-start through to completion and commercial close-out.
• Develop and monitor programmes, budgets, project costs and delivery plans.
• Plan, allocate and secure labour, gangs, plant, subcontractors and materials.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with clients, Highway Authorities, labour agencies, subcontractors, suppliers and specialist providers.
• Monitor progress, productivity and costs, identifying risks, delays and opportunities for improvement.
• Manage client relationships, attend progress meetings and provide programme and commercial updates.
• Ensure works comply with drawings, specifications, permits, Highway Authority requirements and traffic management arrangements.
• Manage variations, additional works, delays, commercial risks, technical queries, quality documentation, defects and project handovers.
• Work with Site Managers and Supervisors to ensure delivery complies with RAMS, health and safety requirements and project specifications.
• Promote high standards of health, safety and environmental performance while supporting the continued growth of the highways division.

Skills and Experience

• Experience managing highways or civil engineering projects.
• Strong understanding of highway construction and project delivery.
• Experience planning programmes and managing labour, subcontractors, plant and other resources.
• Commercial awareness, including project costs, variations and final accounts.
• Confident communication and relationship-building skills when working with clients and senior stakeholders.
• Knowledge of NEC contracts and Highway Authority specifications.
• Experience working directly for Highway Authorities and major Principal Contractors would be advantageous.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Qualifications

• SMSTS, CSCS and NRSWA qualifications.
• HNC, HND or degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline.
• Temporary Works Coordinator experience.

What the Role Offers

This is an opportunity to join a growing highways contractor in a senior position with responsibility for project delivery, resource planning and commercial performance. The role includes a varied portfolio of work across the South East and London, along with a company vehicle, fuel card, pension, annual leave and professional development opportunities.