Contracts Manager

Contracts Manager

Southampton Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage contracts for water projects, ensuring compliance and performance.
  • Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in water infrastructure and service delivery.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous salary, private medical, and 25+ days leave.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on critical infrastructure while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: Strong background in civil engineering or water projects; leadership skills required.
  • Other info: Home/site-based role covering Hampshire and Mid Sussex areas.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Contract Manager to oversee and manage contracts related to water infrastructure projects, treatment facilities, and service delivery. The role involves contract drafting, negotiation, compliance monitoring, and performance management to ensure projects meet regulatory, financial, and operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop detailed project plans and schedules to support on-time delivery.
  • Manage procurement to ensure timely, cost-effective material supply.
  • Oversee compliance with company commercial policies and ensure accurate reporting of project costs and forecasts.
  • Lead pre-start and handover meetings, monitor commercial performance, and maintain risk registers.
  • Review progress, budgets, and forecasts weekly, and manage subcontractor engagement and design delivery.
  • Promote high standards of health, safety, and environmental (HS&E) practices, conduct site inspections, and ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Maintain quality standards by ensuring QA documentation and best practices are in place.
  • Foster positive client and stakeholder relationships, lead meetings, and ensure minimal disruption to local communities.

Performance Measures:

  • Meet deadlines and business objectives.
  • Complete final accounts within three months of project completion.
  • Ensure timely reports and KPI achievements.
  • Deliver safe, on-time, on-budget projects.

Key Relationships:

  • Senior leadership.
  • Site teams.
  • Suppliers and subcontractors.
  • Clients and stakeholders.

Person Specification:

Essential:

  • Strong background in civil engineering or water infrastructure projects.
  • Solid understanding of contracts, CDM, risk, and cost management.
  • Proficient in MS Project; familiar with NEC contract management.
  • HNC/HND/Degree-level education.
  • SMSTS & CSCS certified.
  • Proven leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Desirable:

  • Chartered Engineer status.
  • NEBOSH certification.
  • Experience with Primavera P6.

Why Join our Client:

  • Work on critical infrastructure that matters.
  • Generous salary & benefits inc. Bonus.
  • Private medical, life assurance.
  • Company car/allowance.
  • 25+ days leave plus bank holidays.
  • Career development & leadership training.
  • Flexible working and wellbeing support.

Contracts Manager employer: Urban Connect

Southern Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a tangible impact on critical water infrastructure projects across Hampshire and Mid Sussex. With a strong commitment to employee growth, generous benefits including private medical care, a company car allowance, and over 25 days of leave, we foster a culture of flexibility and wellbeing, ensuring our team members thrive both professionally and personally.
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Contact Detail:

Urban Connect Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the civil engineering and water infrastructure sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with people who might have insights into the role of a Contracts Manager at Southern Water.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with NEC contract management and MS Project, as these are key tools for the role. Consider taking short courses or certifications that can enhance your skills and demonstrate your commitment to potential employers.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with compliance monitoring and risk management during interviews. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed contracts and ensured project objectives were met in previous roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Southern Water's recent projects and initiatives. Understanding their current challenges and successes will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest in contributing to their goals as a Contracts Manager.

We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager

Contract Drafting
Negotiation Skills
Compliance Monitoring
Performance Management
Project Planning
Procurement Management
Cost Management
Risk Management
Health, Safety and Environmental (HS&E) Practices
Quality Assurance (QA)
Stakeholder Engagement
Leadership Skills
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Proficiency in MS Project
Familiarity with NEC Contract Management
Chartered Engineer Status (Desirable)
NEBOSH Certification (Desirable)
Experience with Primavera P6 (Desirable)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Contracts Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in civil engineering and contract management.

Craft a Strong CV: Your CV should clearly outline your background in water infrastructure projects, including specific examples of contract drafting, negotiation, and compliance monitoring. Use bullet points for clarity and ensure it is well-structured.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Highlight your leadership skills and problem-solving abilities, and explain how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Contracts Manager.

How to prepare for a job interview at Urban Connect

✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the types of contracts relevant to the role, especially NEC contract management. Be prepared to discuss your experience with contract drafting and negotiation, as well as how you've ensured compliance in past projects.

✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills

Highlight your experience in developing project plans and schedules. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed procurement and ensured timely delivery of materials, as this is crucial for the role.

✨Showcase Leadership and Communication Abilities

As a Contracts Manager, you'll need to lead meetings and foster relationships with clients and stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully led teams and communicated effectively in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations.

✨Emphasise Health, Safety, and Environmental Standards

Given the importance of HS&E practices in this role, be prepared to talk about your commitment to maintaining safety standards on site. Share any relevant experiences where you conducted site inspections or ensured regulatory compliance.

Contracts Manager
Urban Connect
Location: Southampton
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