Senior Contracts Manager in Cheshire, Warrington

This is not a standard contracts manager role. We are looking for someone to accelerate the continued growth of EPG’s new integrated SuDS design and build business. The right person will not just deliver projects. They will shape the business, influence how it grows, and become a key part of its future. This isn’t a role with a fixed structure and a narrow remit; it’s an opportunity to build something that will make a positive, long‑term difference to the UK’s sustainable water management infrastructure.

Working with two established, industry‑leading brands, with the support of an international Group of businesses on an area with proven market potential, this is a role for someone looking to make an immediate impact. EPG is one of the UK’s leading specialist SuDS consultancies and co‑author of the CIRIA SuDS Manual. Carrick delivers specialist sports and environmental construction projects across the UK. Together, we are creating a genuine design and build SuDS business focused on technically challenging projects that most contractors and consultants cannot deliver alone.

We are already delivering integrated projects with water companies, local authorities and major private sector clients, including rain gardens, SuDS retrofit schemes, schools’ programmes and complex urban drainage works. The market is growing quickly. AMP8 investment, Biodiversity Net Gain, tightening planning policy and increasing flood resilience requirements are creating major demand for specialist SuDS delivery capability.

The Role:

The Contracts Manager is the operational backbone of EPG’s D&B service. You will manage the full lifecycle of SuDS design and build projects from contract award through to handover and adoption, acting as the single point of accountability for programme, cost, quality and client relationship on every scheme you run. You will work at the intersection of EPG’s design team and Carrick’s construction workforce, translating design intent into site delivery. You will represent the business to water company asset managers, local authority officers, school business managers and tier‑1 contractor programme teams. You will be the face of the business on‑site and in client meetings and will be fully supported by our technical and professional support teams.

Responsibilities:

• Manage multiple concurrent SuDS D&B projects from contract award to handover, typically 3–8 live projects at any time in the £60k–£2m range.
• Act as Principal Contractor representative under CDM 2015 on delivered schemes Construction Phase Plans, site welfare, H&S compliance.
• Manage client relationships from post‑award to completion: water company asset managers, LLFA officers, DfE schools programme leads, tier‑1 contractor contacts.
• Coordinate between EPG’s design team and Carrick’s site workforce, ensuring design intent is understood and delivered, not just followed on paper.
• Procure and manage specialist subcontractors where Carrick’s own workforce is at capacity or a specialist trade is required.
• Manage NEC contract administration: early warnings, compensation events, payment applications, programme updates.
• Attend and chair site meetings, progress reviews and client milestone meetings.
• Support EPG’s ambitious business development plans: attend client introductions, contribute to tender submissions, build relationships in the water company and LLFA market.
• Oversee project financials: cost plans, valuations, margin reporting, final accounts.
• During Carrick’s peak sports construction periods, provide project management resource to Carrick’s sports build programme, contributing to the group’s year‑round capacity.

What We’re Looking For:

• NEC3 or NEC4 contract experience, specifically ECC (Engineering and Construction Contract) Options A, B or C; and/or JCT Design and Build or Minor Works contract experience.
• Proven track record managing construction projects from award to final account, with full financial ownership.
• Experience managing subcontractors and supply chain on civil or environmental construction schemes.
• CDM 2015 competency: experience as Principal Contractor or supporting PC on notifiable projects.
• SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) or equivalent.
• Full UK driving licence and genuine willingness to travel nationally.
• The commercial and interpersonal confidence to manage client relationships independently with water companies, local authorities or equivalent institutional clients.
• Working alongside Carrick to deliver premium and elite sports facilities (including but not limited to football, golf, cricket, rugby), during peak sports construction periods.
• Minimum 5 years’ construction project management experience in civil engineering, environmental construction, drainage, water/utilities or related sector.

Preferred:

• Experience in SuDS, sustainable drainage, rain gardens, bioretention systems or surface water management.
• Water company supply chain experience: working within or alongside UU, Anglian, Severn Trent, Yorkshire Water or equivalent.
• Experience on LLFA or local authority‑funded drainage or flood risk schemes and familiarity with LLFA drainage adoption processes and Section 38/278 agreements.
• NRSWA supervisor qualification or experience managing NRSWA‑notifiable highway works.
• SuDS knowledge is preferred but not a barrier.

About us

EPG
The Environmental Protection Group is a leading geoenvironmental engineering consultancy specialising in sustainable water management, contaminated land remediation and gas protection, environmental monitoring and structural waterproofing. With a team of multi‑disciplinary experts, EPG provides clients with innovative solutions and a comprehensive design service. Combining regulatory compliance with complementary ideas and technologies, our priority is to deliver robust, leading edge, cost‑effective design solutions.

Carrick
Carrick Construction is a leading provider of construction services to the sports and environmental sectors. Bringing together like‑minded professionals with skills in construction, project management and engineering, we’re committed to delivering high‑quality projects, safely and efficiently.

Job Type: Full‑time and permanent

Pay: Competitive salary plus car and group benefits

Work Location: Preferred base: Northwest (Daresbury, Warrington or Bingley, West Yorkshire: EPG offices) or Southwest (Pershore, Worcestershire: Carrick base). Remote working is available for the right candidate.