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- Tasks: Lead and manage civil engineering projects on-site, ensuring timely delivery and resource control.
- Company: Established UK civil engineering contractor with a focus on hands-on project management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £120k, excellent benefits package, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the field, driving project success and team performance.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in groundworks and civil engineering, strong NEC & JCT knowledge required.
- Other info: Dynamic site-based role with clear leadership responsibilities and support from experienced teams.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ per year.
Our client is a UK-based civil engineering contractor. They now require a highly experienced and hands-on Contracts Manager to take full operational control of live groundworks and civil engineering projects. This is not a desk-based or strategy role. This is a delivery-driven, site-based position responsible for:
- Controlling programme.
- Managing labour, plant and materials.
- Driving daily performance.
- Protecting commercial position.
- Ensuring milestones are achieved.
The successful candidate will spend the majority of their time on site ensuring projects are properly resourced, programmed, and delivered safely and profitably.
PRIMARY ROLE - Operational Delivery
This role is primarily site-based and delivery-focused.
Site Control & Presence
- Be on site – i.e. Monday check everyone is in and set for the week.
- Ensure all labour has reported.
- Identify and resolve resource gaps immediately.
- Maintain visible leadership presence across sites.
- Ensure Site Managers are fully in control of their Foremen.
- Hold Site Managers accountable for daily performance.
Programme Management & Planning
- Take full ownership of the project programme.
- Maintain and update a rolling 6-week look-ahead programme.
- Ensure the programme is realistic, resourced and achievable.
- Plan and allocate labour, plant and materials in line with programme.
- Monitor contract milestones and ensure they are achieved.
- Identify delays early and implement recovery plans.
- Drive a target-led mindset across site teams.
Resource Control
- Control all site resources including:
- Direct labour
- Subcontract labour
- Plant
- Materials
Review labour allocation sheets daily. Ensure plant utilisation is efficient and justified. Forecast material requirements in advance. Avoid downtime through proactive planning.
Commercial Control (Hands-On)
Work closely with the QS daily. Review allocation sheets, works completed, variations, dayworks. Ensure variations are identified immediately. Issue contract notices to the Client (under NEC/JCT), informing PL Infrastructure Commercial Team. Follow up on all notices and ensure they are tracked. Protect margin through early identification of risk.
Reporting & Forecasting
- Maintain accurate cost and value forecasting.
- Support CVR preparation.
- Provide weekly project performance data.
- Draft and issue weekly project reports to Directors.
- Report on: programme status, commercial position, risks, resource requirements, HSQE matters.
HSQE & Systems Champion
- Ensure safe systems of work are implemented.
- Work closely with HSQE support.
- Ensure RAMS are in place and followed.
- Maintain high quality standards.
- Enforce company systems on site.
- Drive discipline in paperwork and compliance.
SECONDARY ROLE - Leadership & Business Support
Meetings
- Chair weekly internal project meetings.
- Attend client progress meetings.
- Report to Directors weekly.
- Support commercial review meetings.
Pre-Construction Support
- Provide buildability input.
- Review programmes at tender stage.
- Support Estimating where required.
Recruitment & Development
- Assist with recruiting operational staff.
- Mentor Site Managers.
- Develop stronger control at Foreman level.
Reporting Structure & Support
Support from Directors, Commercial Lead, Accounts Team, HSQE Support, Logistics manager. Supporting: Quantity Surveyors, Accounts (information & allocation data), Health & Safety, Site Managers. The Contracts Manager controls the Site Managers. Site Managers control the Foremen. Clear chain of command must be maintained.
Experience & Qualifications Required
- Minimum 15 years Groundworks & Civil Engineering experience.
- Engineering background.
- Experience working in £10m-£15m turnover businesses.
- Strong NEC & JCT knowledge.
- Proven ability managing multiple packages cradle to grave.
- Strong programme management skills.
- Highly organised and structured.
- Stable employment history.
- Proficient in MS Project & Microsoft Office.
- SharePoint experience desirable.
Key Behaviours Required
- Detail-oriented.
- Structured and organised.
- Commercially aware.
- Confident issuing contract notices.
- Proactive problem solver.
- Strong presence on site.
- Not afraid to challenge.
- Delivery-driven.
Should this excellent Contracts Manager opportunity be of interest to you, please forward your CV to Anna Maguire. Whilst we will endeavour to contact you following your response, occasionally due to the high volume of applications this cannot always be possible and we are only able to contact shortlisted candidates. We will keep your details on file and may contact you with future opportunities.
Contracts Manager in England employer: ERS Recruiting Ltd
Contact Detail:
ERS Recruiting Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager in England
✨Tip Number 1
Get your face out there! Attend industry events and networking meet-ups. It's all about making connections, so don’t be shy – chat with people in the field and let them know you’re on the lookout for a Contracts Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Leverage LinkedIn to showcase your experience. Update your profile with relevant projects and skills, and don’t forget to engage with posts related to civil engineering. This can help you get noticed by recruiters looking for someone just like you!
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out directly to companies you admire. A quick email or message expressing your interest in potential opportunities can go a long way. Sometimes, it’s about being proactive and showing your enthusiasm for their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic roles waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Contracts Manager role. Highlight your experience in groundworks and civil engineering, and don’t forget to showcase your programme management skills. We want to see how you’ve driven performance on site!
Showcase Your Achievements: When writing your application, focus on your achievements rather than just listing responsibilities. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple projects and deliver results. We love seeing quantifiable successes!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your key skills and experiences stand out. We appreciate a straightforward approach that makes it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at ERS Recruiting Ltd
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've worked on. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, especially in terms of programme management and resource control.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Since this role requires a strong presence on site, prepare examples that showcase your leadership abilities. Talk about how you've managed teams, held Site Managers accountable, and driven performance in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Brush up on your NEC and JCT knowledge, as well as your experience with MS Project. Expect questions that test your understanding of contract management and how you handle variations and risk identification.
✨Show Your Commercial Awareness
Highlight your ability to protect margins and manage costs effectively. Be prepared to discuss how you've forecasted project performance and maintained accurate reporting in past positions.