At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage high-value civil engineering projects across Bristol and Gloucester.
- Company: Join a leading Tier 1 civil engineering contractor with global reach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, performance bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to lead teams and drive project excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the infrastructure landscape and enjoy unmatched job security with career growth.
- Qualifications: 5+ years as a Contracts Manager or 2+ years as a Tier 1 Project Manager.
The predicted salary is between 61000 - 63000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol & Gloucester Region
Salary: £61,000 – £63,000 (Up to £70,000 for exceptional candidates)
Package: £5,250 Car Allowance / Company Car + Up to 12.5% Discretionary Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits (26 days holiday + bank hols, generous pension, opportunity to progress through the Group)
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Shape the Infrastructure Landscape of the South West
Are you a proven Contracts Manager or an ambitious, high-performing Tier 1 Project Manager ready to take the step up? A leading Tier 1 civil engineering contractor and part of a major global infrastructure group is expanding its South West team. We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to lead, deliver, and grow our highways and civil engineering portfolio across the vibrant Bristol and Gloucester regions.
With major placements on long-term local authority frameworks (including Bristol City Council) and Network Rail's CP7 framework, the Contracts Manager position offers exceptional job security, high-profile projects, and a clear pathway for rapid career progression.
The Role
As Contracts Manager, you will take full operational and commercial accountability for delivering a portfolio of high-value highways and civil engineering projects (£1m to £20m+). Based out of project offices in the Bristol/Gloucester region, you will be a key operational leader driving safety, commercial efficiency, and project excellence.
Unlike purely executive oversight roles, this position is designed for a true operational leader who understands how to manage projects on the ground, shape delivery strategies, and build winning teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Portfolio Delivery: Lead and manage up to three simultaneous civil engineering, highways, and infrastructure projects across the Bristol and Gloucester areas.
- Work Winning & Tenders: Provide critical operational input into competitive tender submissions, shaping buildable delivery strategies for framework opportunities.
- Team Leadership: Direct, mentor, and support Project Managers and site teams. Inherit established site teams on active projects while building and recruiting new teams for incoming schemes.
- Commercial & Programme Control: Balance quality, programme, and financial performance, ensuring schemes are delivered on time, within budget, and under robust NEC contract frameworks.
- Stakeholder Management: Build and nurture collaborative relationships with local authority clients, framework partners, supply chain teams, and regional sub-contractors.
- HSEQ Excellence: Champion the highest standards of health, safety, environmental care, and quality across all live sites.
What We Are Looking For
- Proven Sector Experience: At least 5 years operating as a Contracts Manager within highways/civils, OR a Tier 1 Project Manager with 2+ years of solid experience ready to step into a multi-project leadership role.
- Hands-on Project Drive: A manager who knows how to run a project from start to finish—not just manage people from a distance.
- Framework Experience: Demonstrable track record managing frameworks (e.g., local authority highways, NEC contracts, or collaborative delivery models).
- South West Focus: Based in or near the Bristol region with a full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across regional project sites.
- Qualifications: SMSTS certification is required. A degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management (or an engineering background) is desirable.
What We Offer
- Competitive Compensation: Base salary of £61k–£63k (with flexibility up to £70k for exceptional candidates).
- Car Allowance: £5,250 per annum or company car option.
- Performance Bonus: Up to 12.5% discretionary annual bonus tied to business unit success.
- Long-Term Pipeline: Unmatched job security backed by Tier 1 framework wins, including Bristol City Council and CP7 rail frameworks.
- Growth & Development: Access to complex, high-profile infrastructure schemes and genuine advancement opportunities across the wider group.
Apply for the Contracts Manager Role Today
Ready to lead major infrastructure delivery across Bristol and the South West? Submit your CV to join our growing Civils South West team. Keep an eye out for my calls, emails or SMS following sending us your CV to discuss the next steps of the interview process.
Locations
Contracts Manager in Newport, Wales employer: Utilise Recruitment
As an HSE Advisor at our NW London HQ, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to fostering a culture of safety and environmental responsibility. We offer competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional development, all within a supportive work environment that values employee well-being and growth. Our commitment to innovation and excellence makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in health and safety.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager in Newport, Wales
✨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 Utilise Recruitment, 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 Utilise Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager in Newport, Wales
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 Utilise Recruitment
✨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!
