Contracts Manager in Manchester

Contracts Manager in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
JN Bentley Experienced Careers

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead impactful projects that enhance communities and protect the environment.
  • Company: Join Mott MacDonald Bentley, a leader in integrated design and build.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive training, flexible benefits, and clear career progression.
  • Other info: Employee-owned business focused on long-term success and community impact.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in civil engineering project management and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

Mott Mac Donald Bentley is a fully integrated design and build business, combining the design expertise of Mott Mac Donald with the contracting experience of JN Bentley.

Operating across the water, energy and environment sectors throughout the UK, we deliver innovative infrastructure solutions from concept through to commissioning.

With an annual turnover exceeding £600 million, we have established ourselves as a leader within the industry.

Our sustained growth and strong business performance create an exciting environment for ambitious professionals seeking to develop and progress their careers.

We have recently been named a partner on United Utilities' AMP8 framework, extending our long-standing relationship for at least the next five years.

This partnership will be responsible for delivering over £3 billion of major infrastructure investment across the North West of England.

The programme consists of detailed design and build projects ranging in value up to £15 million, allocated based on project suitability, capability, availability, technical expertise and value.

Investment includes upgrades to wastewater treatment works and the delivery of the UK's largest storm overflow reduction programme, helping to protect more than 500km of rivers and bathing waters.

The role

As a Contracts Manager, you will lead a portfolio of projects that improve communities and protect the environment, from wastewater and flood defence schemes to nature-based solutions that enhance biodiversity.

This is a key leadership role within our growing North West business, where you will take ownership of multiple projects throughout the detailed design and build lifecycle.

Working closely with operational, commercial and design teams, you will ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, profitably and to the highest standards of quality and client satisfaction.

Our Contracts Managers are inspirational leaders and skilled communicators who combine technical expertise with strong commercial and programme management capabilities.

They play a pivotal role in shaping project outcomes from inception through to successful handover.

Key responsibilities

  • Drive and embed the culture, values and standards across a portfolio of projects.
  • Provide leadership, support and direction to project teams, creating a high-performing and collaborative working environment.
  • Lead the delivery of multiple detailed design and build projects from development through to commissioning and handover.
  • Influence design development and construction methodologies to ensure projects are safe, buildable, efficient and delivered right first time.
  • Oversee project performance, ensuring delivery against programme, budget, quality and client expectations.
  • Manage and support Site Managers and wider delivery teams to achieve successful project outcomes.
  • Promote continuous improvement and drive compliance with company procedures, governance and best practice.
  • Develop talent within the team through coaching, mentoring and performance management.
  • Maintain strong relationships with clients, designers, suppliers and stakeholders.
  • Hold overall responsibility for commercial performance, risk management and programme delivery across your portfolio.
  • Ensure health, safety, environmental and quality standards remain at the forefront of project delivery.

What we're looking for

  • CSCS card and SSSTS or SMSTS qualification.
  • HNC, HND or Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
  • Proven experience managing multiple civil engineering or infrastructure projects within a design and build environment.
  • Strong understanding of civil engineering principles, construction techniques and project delivery processes.
  • Working knowledge of NEC3 and/or NEC4 forms of contract.
  • Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across projects within the North West region.
  • Excellent leadership, organisational and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong commercial awareness and risk management capability.
  • Ability to effectively manage multidisciplinary teams throughout the detailed design and build process.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Why join us?

Join one of the UK's leading integrated design and build organisations and take your career to the next level.

You'll play a key role in delivering projects that create lasting environmental and community impact, while building your expertise through a secure, long-term programme of work.

As an employee-owned business, your success is our success.

As you grow and develop your career, you'll share in the value you help create, ensuring your contribution is recognised and rewarded for the long term.

We are committed to helping our people thrive, offering an attractive benefits package that includes:

  • A highly competitive salary and rewards package.
  • Comprehensive training and development opportunities.
  • Clear, tailored career progression pathways.
  • Flexible benefits to support your financial, lifestyle, health and wellbeing needs.

Join a business where your work makes a difference, your development is prioritised, and your future is invested in.

You will help deliver innovative, sustainable infrastructure solutions that improve the environment and enhance communities across the North West.

Contracts Manager in Manchester employer: JN Bentley Experienced Careers

MMB is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Senior Quantity Surveyors to engage in impactful projects that enhance the environment and community across the beautiful southwest of England. With a strong commitment to employee development, including tailored progression plans and support for professional chartership, MMB fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and efficiency. The part-time flexibility allows for a balanced work-life integration, making it an attractive choice for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

JN Bentley Experienced Careers

Contact Details:

JN Bentley Experienced Careers Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager in Manchester

Join Construction Networks

Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!

Show Off Your Skills on Site

If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.

Utilise Construction Job Sites

Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like JN Bentley Experienced Careers, to express your interest!

Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles

Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Contracts Manager at JN Bentley Experienced Careers.

We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager in Manchester

Leadership Skills
Project Management
Civil Engineering Principles
Construction Techniques
NEC3 and/or NEC4 Contract Knowledge
Commercial Awareness
Risk Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.

Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.

Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.

How to prepare for a job interview at JN Bentley Experienced Careers

Brush Up on Technical Knowledge

For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.

Showcase Your Projects

Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.

Understand the Team Dynamics

Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.

Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving

Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!