Contracts Manager in Leeds

This challenging and exciting opportunity requires an individual with a good technical background and demonstrable experience in taking total responsibility for the delivery of a range of geotechnical engineering projects. Our client is one of the UK's leading geotechnical specialists with a reputation for quality and innovation within the fields of ground and site investigation, drilling & grouting, and ground and soil stabilisation and improvement.

The business has a strategy to grow significantly over the next three to five years, coupled with the recent award of several long-term major contracts, resulting in an exciting opportunity for a Contracts Manager to play a key role in realising this strategy and delivering these works. The successful candidate should be professionally qualified and possess demonstrable experience in leading the delivery of geotechnical and ground engineering projects across all sectors.

Reporting to the Operations Director, you will provide leadership for the successful delivery of multiple contracts running simultaneously at differing stages, which will include managing teams, being the key focal point of contact for clients and the wider group, and resolving any technical, operational and commercial issues.

The Role

• Plan, programme and deliver contracts in conjunction with the senior team, internal departments, and subcontractors in accordance with company policy.
• Take responsibility for all assigned projects, including the review of estimates and designs to ensure relevant suitability, and leading projects with the client through all stages.
• Inspect works in progress to ensure conformance with company procedures and governance, and ensure schemes are delivered in accordance with the correct designs and specifications.
• Ensure HSEQ plans and RAMS are prepared for contracts in accordance with company policy.
• Attend regular meetings with the contracts team to provide progress reports on projects, and if required, offer proposals or recommendations to overcome any challenge faced.
• Ensure the commercial team is provided with all relevant information, documentation and instructions to support contract variations and final accounts submissions for payment.
• Liaise with the design and estimating teams to ensure budget and labour requirements are met and that ground conditions are according to calculations.
• Ensure all projects are planned and executed in accordance with company policy, whilst maintaining and improving the professional and progressive image of the company.
• Analyse and interpret detailed client requirements, drawings and specifications.
• Work under deadline pressures in an efficient, composed and calm manner.
• Assist the business as a whole to meet their financial targets.
• Help to manage suppliers and sub-contractors to improve safety, performance and profit.

The Person

• Candidates must possess a proven track record in a management role from within the ground engineering or geotechnical sector (consultancy or contractor background).
• To have assisted in the development and delivery of contracts with a diplomacy and a hands-on attitude to clients, sub-contractors and team management.
• To possess first-hand exposure to various technically complex and challenging geotechnical contracts, and therefore able to demonstrate a tenacious, lead from the front approach.
• To hold experience of a variety of geotechnical contracts, including multi-disciplined techniques.
• Possess a solid understanding of all stages of the contract process, coupled with the ability to manage and develop yourself both technically and commercially.
• Good levels of experience at pre, in-situ and post contract stages.
• Able to identify the requirements of assigned contracts to efficiently and effectively produce the most appropriate delivery plan or programme.
• Liaise and negotiate with clients, suppliers, sub-contractors, JV partners and colleagues.
• Efficiently manage situations when workload presents conflicting demands on your time and availability, demonstrating the ability to prioritise, multi-task, delegate and schedule.
• Monitor, progress and implement controls to ensure tasks are achieved to time and cost.
• Develop and select effective solutions to challenging and complex contract requirements, taking into account risk and opportunity.
• Communicate facts, ideas and proposals to all stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• Ability to deliver efficient and effective customer service at all times.

A highly attractive basic salary (commensurate with your experience level) plus extensive benefits package is on offer to the successful candidate, along with longevity of work and forward progression given that our client possesses a significant work bank for the long-term future and is firmly committed to continued growth over the next 5-10 years.