Contract Manager

About the Company

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Contracts Manager to join our team, overseeing a portfolio of groundworks and civil engineering projects across the South East of England.

About the Role

This is a key role responsible for the successful delivery of projects from pre-construction through to completion, ensuring works are delivered safely, on programme, to the required quality standards, and within agreed commercial parameters. Working closely with clients, consultants, subcontractors, site teams and senior management, you will take ownership of the day-to-day management of contracts, driving performance and building strong, long-term relationships with project stakeholders.

Responsibilities

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• Manage the successful delivery of multiple groundworks and civil engineering projects across the South East.
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• Take overall responsibility for the commercial, operational and contractual performance of allocated projects.
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• Lead and support Project Managers, Site Managers and delivery teams to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to programme.
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• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, main contractors, consultants and subcontractors.
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• Review contract documentation, scopes of work, drawings and specifications to identify risks, opportunities and contractual obligations.
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• Monitor project progress, costs, budgets and commercial performance, taking proactive action where required.
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• Manage variations, applications for payment, valuations, final accounts and contractual correspondence.
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• Work closely with the commercial team to maximise project value and minimise financial and contractual risk.
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• Oversee procurement and management of subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring performance, quality and compliance.
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• Attend regular client and project meetings, providing clear updates on progress, programme, commercial matters and risks.
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• Identify and manage potential project risks, delays and disputes, implementing appropriate mitigation strategies.
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• Ensure all projects are delivered in accordance with company procedures, health and safety requirements and relevant legislation.
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• Support pre-construction and tender activities, including reviewing scopes, programmes, methodologies and project requirements.
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• Contribute to continuous improvement across project delivery, commercial management and operational processes.
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Qualifications

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• Proven experience in a Contracts Manager or Senior Project Manager position within groundworks, civil engineering or construction.
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• Strong understanding of groundworks and civil engineering construction methods and project delivery.
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• Experience managing multiple projects or contracts simultaneously.
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• Strong commercial and contractual awareness, including variations, valuations, applications for payment and final accounts.
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• Experience managing subcontractors, suppliers and project teams.
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• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
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• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
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• A proactive approach to identifying and managing project risks and opportunities.
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• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the South East.
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Required Skills

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• Relevant construction or civil engineering qualification.
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• Experience working for a groundworks or civil engineering contractor.
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• Knowledge of NEC, JCT or other commonly used construction contracts.
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• Relevant professional membership, such as CIOB or ICE.
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• SMSTS and relevant health and safety qualifications.
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Preferred Skills

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• The opportunity to join a growing and established construction business.
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• A varied portfolio of groundworks and civil engineering projects across the South East.
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• A senior position with genuine responsibility and autonomy.
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• The opportunity to work alongside an experienced and supportive delivery team.
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• Competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience.
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• Career development and progression opportunities.
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• A collaborative working environment where your experience and ideas are valued.
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Pay range and compensation package

Competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience.

Equal Opportunity Statement

If you are an experienced Contracts Manager looking for your next opportunity and have a strong background in groundworks and civil engineering, we would like to hear from you. Apply today to take the next step in your career and play a key role in delivering high-quality projects across the South East.