Performance and Planning Director in Brighton

Whatever stage you are at in your career, with us you will have an opportunity to grow and develop.

We are seeking an exceptional Contract Director to lead a strategically important framework for a key M Group client within the water sector. The framework is forecast to grow beyond £30 million per annum and encompasses a diverse portfolio of water and wastewater infrastructure projects, including:

• Rising Main Replacements
• New Pumping Stations
• Deep Drainage Schemes
• Tunnelling Projects
• Service Reservoirs
• Strategic Water Mains, Trunk Mains and Reinforcement Mains

The Role

As Contract Director, you will provide both strategic and operational leadership across the framework, ensuring safe, efficient and profitable delivery while maintaining strong client relationships and achieving outstanding business performance. You will be accountable for delivering contract margin, cash flow and WIP targets, while ensuring operational excellence and driving exceptional outcomes for both clients and stakeholders. A key aspect of the role will be maintaining industry-leading standards in health, safety, quality and environmental performance, whilst fostering high levels of employee engagement and development.

Working closely with the Business Unit leadership team, you will establish and deliver the framework vision, strategy and objectives, ensuring alignment with wider divisional goals and growth ambitions. As Contract Director, you will champion these principles throughout the business, developing high-performing teams and enabling colleagues and partners to deliver exceptional service and results.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the long-term delivery strategy for the framework, ensuring compliance with the highest SHEQW standards and promoting a culture of continuous improvement and risk management.
• Lead operational resources and delivery activities, driving efficiency and performance while meeting contractual obligations and service level agreements.
• Identify and implement operational improvements, efficiencies and cost-saving initiatives that enhance contract performance.
• Optimise cash flow across the framework, working collaboratively with project teams and clients to ensure timely payment in line with contractual terms.
• Build and manage a high-performing supply chain network, creating strong partnerships that support successful project delivery.
• Lead the effective resolution of commercial, contractual and operational disputes with both clients and suppliers.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, building confidence and supporting long-term strategic partnerships.
• Collaborate closely with project and contract teams, ensuring alignment with M Group values, objectives and ways of working.

Continuous Improvement and Leadership

You will be expected to:

• Develop and implement improvement plans focused on margin enhancement, WIP management, SHEQ performance, quality and operational delivery.
• Identify, share and embed best practice across the framework, wider contracts and M Group Water.
• Champion innovation, marketing and PR opportunities through case studies, award submissions and industry-leading initiatives.
• Act as a visible ambassador for M Group Water, strengthening the organisation's reputation with clients, partners and industry stakeholders.

This is a high-profile leadership opportunity for an experienced water sector professional who combines strategic vision, commercial acumen and operational excellence with a passion for developing people and delivering outstanding client outcomes.

Benefits

• Contributory pension scheme
• Online GP service, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Employee assistance programme
• My Rewards portal, access to 1000s of retail discounts
• Life assurance
• Cycle to work, salary finance and give as you earn schemes
• Enhanced maternity, paternity leave and adoption leave
• Reward and recognition scheme
• Company car and fuel card with a range of EV and hybrid vehicles to choose from
• Health Care Cash Plan, giving you and your family the ability to claim back medical expenses for things like dental, eyecare and physiotherapy and much more!
• Private Healthcare - Family cover
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Discretionary bonus scheme

About us

We want to be an employer of choice and a great place to work, attracting diverse and talented people, who join us and make a difference. Our ENABLE inclusion networks bring together people who have a shared passion, to help create an environment where everyone belongs. Our values help to shape our culture and how we work with one another.

• We’re responsible and go further for our people, clients, communities and the planet
• We’re open and seek new and better ways of exceeding expectations
• We’re together and as one team; the whole is greater than the sum of the parts
• We’re ambitious and embrace opportunity, to lead essential infrastructure services for life

Whether you’re a trainee, apprentice or graduate, or progressing through your career, our people benefit from industry recognised programmes, training and development.

Do apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered. Some roles require drug and alcohol testing as part of induction and onboarding.