At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting water civils projects and strengthen client relationships across the North East.
- Company: A leading regional civil engineering contractor with a focus on growth and stability.
- Benefits: 26 days holiday, flexible car leasing, and paid overtime in a supportive culture.
- Other info: Opportunities for apprenticeships and skills development in a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on strategic projects while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering or similar, with strong NEC knowledge and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
A leading regional civil engineering contractor is seeking a client-facing Contracts Manager to be the “face of the business” on Northumbrian Water (NWL) AMP8 water civils projects across the North East. You’ll lead multiple schemes end-to-end, strengthening relationships on the framework and ensuring safe, timely and commercially sound delivery. Direct water-sector experience is ideal; strong candidates from broader main-contracting civils (drainage, public realm etc.) are also encouraged to apply.
What you’ll do:
- Act as primary client interface for NWL AMP8 works; chair/attend progress, commercial and design meetings.
- Lead projects from pre-construction to handover: scope, programme, resources, risk and change control.
- Manage NEC (Options A/C) administration: EWNs, PMIs, CEs, valuations, CVR and forecasting with Commercial.
- Drive best-in-class H&S, quality and environmental performance (RAMS, ITPs, permits, audits).
- Coordinate delivery teams and supply chain to meet time, cost and quality targets.
- Report accurately on programme, cost/value, KPIs/OFWAT metrics and handover documentation.
- Mentor Engineers/Site Managers and champion a collaborative, learning culture.
What you’ll bring:
- Proven delivery of water civils (clean/wastewater networks, rehab, drainage) or comparable main-contracting civils.
- Strong NEC knowledge and confident change/forecast management.
- Multi-site leadership with clear planning, prioritisation and recovery skills.
- Credible communicator who builds trust with clients, designers, operations and commercial teams.
- Robust HSEQ leadership and proactive risk management.
Qualifications & requirements:
- HNC/HND or Degree in Civil Engineering (or similar).
- SMSTS (or equivalent), CSCS, full UK driving licence.
- Temporary Works appreciation; water hygiene/confined space desirable (can be provided).
- Proficient with MS Project/Primavera (or equivalent) and MS 365.
Travel & patch: North East–led (Teesside & North Yorkshire) with travel across Northern England aligned to project needs.
Why join?
- Impact & visibility: sector-lead remit on a strategic NWL framework.
- Stability & growth: strong forward order book and clear growth plans.
- People & development: apprenticeships, skills development and progression pathways.
- Benefits: 26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, flexible car leasing, overtime paid at standard rates, supportive culture.
For more information contact David Fletcher of Fulcrum Recruitment.
Lead Contracts Manager employer: FULCRUM RECRUITMENT LIMITED
Join a leading regional civil engineering contractor that prioritises employee development and offers a supportive work culture. With a strong forward order book and clear growth plans, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects while enjoying benefits such as 26 days' holiday, flexible car leasing, and a commitment to health and safety. This role not only allows you to strengthen client relationships but also fosters a collaborative environment where mentoring and skills development are encouraged.
Contact Details:
FULCRUM RECRUITMENT LIMITED Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Contracts Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the civil engineering sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their work on NWL AMP8 projects and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands their business.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! As a Contracts Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage projects effectively. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led projects from pre-construction to handover in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. So, what are you waiting for? Get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Contracts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Lead Contracts Manager. Highlight your experience in water civils and NEC knowledge, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in managing projects and client relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your leadership experience and how you’ve driven successful project outcomes in the past. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; show us what you've achieved! Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how you've improved project delivery, safety, or client satisfaction. We love seeing tangible results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at FULCRUM RECRUITMENT LIMITED
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the specific NWL AMP8 projects you'll be working on. Familiarise yourself with the key challenges and successes of similar projects in the water sector. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your NEC Knowledge
Since strong NEC knowledge is crucial for this role, prepare to discuss your experience with NEC administration. Be ready to provide examples of how you've managed change control, valuations, and forecasting in past projects. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the position.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Contracts Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Think of specific instances where you've successfully coordinated delivery teams or mentored junior staff. Highlighting these experiences will show that you can foster a collaborative culture and drive project success.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the company's future projects, team dynamics, and growth opportunities. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
