Contracts Manager
Water Industry | Civil Engineering | North Kent
Are you an experienced Contracts Manager looking for a role with genuine scope to make an impact? Material Resources is a growing civil engineering company, and we are looking for a capable, commercially astute Contracts Manager to take ownership of an exciting and expanding portfolio of work.
This is a pivotal appointment. You will lead the delivery of two recently awarded major projects for Thames Water, oversee a number of smaller projects, and have the opportunity to shape and grow our contracts function as the business expands. If you want a role where your commercial judgement is valued and where there is a clear path to build something, we would like to hear from you.
The role at a glance
Job title
Contracts Manager
Salary
£65,000 – £85,000 per annum, depending on experience
Additional
£5,000 car allowance, workplace pension, online wellbeing resources.
Location
Based at our head office in Cobham, North Kent (DA12), plus project sites as required
Hours
Full-time, permanent
Reporting to
Managing Director / Senior Management
Why this role
- Major projects from day one — you will manage two significant, recently awarded Thames Water projects, alongside a portfolio of smaller schemes.
- Build something — this is not a seat-filling role. You will have the opportunity to develop and expand the contracts function as the company grows.
- A growing business — Material Resources is expanding, and this role is central to that growth.
- Commercial ownership — genuine responsibility for the commercial and contractual success of your projects, with the autonomy to deliver them well.
Key responsibilities
Commercial and contractual
- Manage the full lifecycle of contractual agreements from inception through to completion, predominantly under NEC and JCT forms.
- Develop, review and negotiate contracts and variations, securing favourable terms while maintaining strong client relationships.
- Lead negotiations during contract discussions, ensuring clarity of terms and a fair outcome for all parties.
- Manage contract variations, change control and the associated record-keeping to protect the commercial position.
- Ensure all contractual documentation is accurate, complete and stored in line with company policy.
Cost, programme and delivery
- Own project cost forecasting and cost-value reconciliation (CVR), maintaining an accurate, honest view of financial performance.
- Develop, baseline and manage programmes of work, monitoring progress against deadlines and budgets.
- Manage monthly valuations, applications for payment and the procurement of materials, labour and subcontract packages.
- Monitor project progress and report clearly to senior management on contract status, milestones and commercial performance.
- Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies to minimise contractual and project-related risk.
Leadership and relationships
- Manage relationships with clients, suppliers and subcontractors, fostering collaboration and resolving issues promptly.
- Lead project teams to deliver on time, within budget and to the highest standards of quality, health, safety and environmental performance.
- Support the growth and development of the contracts and project management function as the business expands.
What we are looking for
Essential
- Proven experience as a Contracts Manager or in a senior commercial/project management role within civil engineering or construction.
- Strong commercial capability — cost forecasting, CVRs, valuations, change management and procurement.
- Demonstrable experience managing programmes of work, including baselining and progress monitoring.
- Sound working knowledge of NEC contracts
- Proven leadership skills, with the ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent negotiation, communication and organisational skills, with the confidence to liaise with clients and stakeholders at all levels.
- A valid UK driving licence.
Strongly preferred
- Experience within the water industry or the wider regulated utilities sector. We will, however, consider strong candidates from other civil engineering backgrounds who can clearly demonstrate transferable commercial and contract management expertise.
- Familiarity with planning and project controls software such as Asta Powerproject or Microsoft Project.
- Relevant professional qualifications and industry certifications (e.g. CSCS, IOSH, SMSTS).
Job Type: Permanent
Pay: £65,000.00-£85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
