Contracts Manager

Location: Kilmarnock (projects across Scotland)

On behalf of our client – a specialist civil engineering contractor operating within the civil and rail sectors in Scotland – we are seeking to recruit an experienced Contracts Manager to join their team on a permanent basis, based in Kilmarnock. This role will support projects throughout Scotland.

Our client delivers a range of engineering services, with key project areas including setting-out, track monitoring, and track surveying.

Role Overview

As Contracts Manager, you will hold a pivotal senior leadership role, shaping the strategic direction and ensuring the successful operational delivery of the business. This role demands a combination of strong leadership skills, commercial acumen, and in-depth knowledge of contract management to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and to the highest standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Contract Management: Oversee the delivery of multiple contracts, ensuring compliance with financial, safety, quality, and environmental targets.
• Pre-Contract Planning: Collaborate with estimators during the tender and pre-contract phases.
• Team Leadership: Manage, lead, and delegate tasks to contract and engineering teams.
• Contractual Expertise: Maintain current knowledge of standard contract forms, construction legislation, and related regulations.
• Contract Administration: Review, approve, and issue contracts and subcontracts.
• Health & Safety: Uphold all company Health & Safety policies and Integrated Management System (IMS) procedures.
• Project Planning: Effectively plan, programme, and allocate resources for all contracts.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with clients, consulting engineers, surveyors, sub-contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Bid Support: Contribute to the preparation of bids, pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQs), and presentations.
• Advisory Function: Provide technical, contractual, and legal guidance to project teams.
• Financial Management: Provide timely and accurate updates for monthly contract appraisals, budgeting, and cost control.
• Claims Management: Identify, evaluate, and manage claims and contract variations.
• Commercial Oversight: Prepare applications for payment and agree final accounts.
• Staff Development: Support and motivate staff, providing coaching and guidance where needed.
• HR Responsibilities: Involved in recruitment, interviewing, disciplinary procedures, and, where necessary, dismissals.
• Company Representation: Maintain publicity materials, photographic records, and assist with the promotion of the company’s profile.

Qualifications and Experience Required

• Education: A degree or HNC (minimum) in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience: Proven experience in civil engineering contract management is desired. Rail experience is desirable.
• Health & Safety: Strong understanding of industry health and safety practices.
• Attention to Detail: A structured and meticulous approach to responsibilities.
• Contract Knowledge: Solid understanding of construction contracts and commercial principles.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
• IT Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Driving Licence: Full, valid UK driving licence.
• Certifications: A valid CSCS card and PTS (Personal Track Safety) certification are desirable but not essential.

If this opportunity aligns with your career aspirations and you meet the outlined criteria, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please submit your most recent CV, or for further details, contact Louise Knock on (phone number removed), quoting reference J45769.

We act as an employment agency for permanent work and as an employment business for temporary work. For roles in the UK, applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. We value diversity and promote equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all areas of society and can discuss any reasonable adjustments to support your application.