Commercial Contract Manager in Manchester

Commercial Contracts Manager – Civils, Highways & Small Works

Salary: £70,000 – £80,000 + Company Car + Benefits (DOE)

Location: Manchester (must be within 1 hour commute)

The Company

A long-established, family‑run civil engineering and infrastructure contractor in the North West (c.£30m turnover). The business delivers a mix of civils and highways‑related works and is known locally for reliable delivery and strong client relationships.

The Role

This is a hands‑on, technically credible and commercially strong Contracts Manager position, focused on delivering and commercially controlling multiple smaller‑value schemes rather than long‑duration, major projects. Typical project values are c.£100k–£500k, sometimes linked into wider programmes. You’ll be a visible presence across sites and the office, ensuring work is delivered safely, on time and profitably.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage multiple civils/highways/small works projects concurrently across the North West.
• Provide technical oversight: drawings, scope clarity, programme realism, and site delivery support.
• Assist with leading the commercial/QS elements of the contracts: valuations, cost control, variations, change management, forecasting, and final accounts.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships; identify opportunities for repeat work.
• Work closely with supervisors/site teams to maintain standards, productivity and quality.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely and in line with agreed timeframes/specs.
• Contribute to improving commercial discipline, reporting and processes as the workload grows.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience as a Contracts Manager / Project Manager in civils/highways/small works, with strong technical credibility.
• Heavier technical engineering competence than a standard delivery‑only Contracts Manager.
• Comfortable running several live jobs at once (fast pace, tight commercial control).
• Strong client‑facing skills; a local relationship base/\”black book\” is a bonus but not essential.
• Must live within 1 hour of the Greater Manchester office.
• Tickets/quals such as SMSTS/CSCS/NRSWA/HNC/HND are advantageous, but solid experience is the key.

Apply / Enquiries

For a confidential conversation, contact Nathan Turley at nathan.turley@elitecn.co.uk.