The Contracts Manager will sit within Operations and play a key role in overseeing the day-to-day operational delivery across multiple projects and workstreams. This role is responsible for ensuring that all operational activities are executed efficiently, safely, and in line with programme, cost, and quality expectations. The Contracts Manager will manage Project Managers and project teams, liaise with clients, and internal departments to drive performance, ensure compliance, and support the strategic growth of the business.
- Provide operational oversight across the business, managing and coordinating the delivery of projects to ensure alignment with strategic objectives. Monitor project programmes, support adherence to schedules, identify and resolve delays, oversee the allocation and utilisation of labour, plant and materials, and support budget management and cost control to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget.
- Lead and support Site Managers, Supervisors and delivery teams to drive high performance and accountability, while championing a strong health and safety culture and ensuring all operational activities comply with company processes, procedures and industry regulations.
- Act as the key point of contact for clients during project delivery, ensuring expectations are met, issues are resolved promptly, and strong client relationships are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
- Provide regular operational performance updates to the Profit Centre Head, highlighting risks and opportunities, while identifying and implementing continuous improvements to operational processes, systems and overall team performance to drive efficiency through effective planning, coordination and resource management.
- Ensure the safe, timely and cost-effective delivery of projects while maintaining full compliance with company policies, procedures and industry standards.
- Maintain a high-performing operations team through effective leadership and support, foster high levels of client satisfaction throughout project delivery, and drive operational efficiency through effective planning, coordination and resource management.
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Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in operations or project management within the engineering, construction or utilities industry.
- Proven track record of managing multi-disciplinary teams and delivering complex projects.
- Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in project and operations management tools and software.
- In-depth knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Relevant qualifications in construction, engineering, or operations management (e.g., NVQ Level 6, SMSTS, IOSH/NEBOSH
At OCU Group, we don’t just deliver infrastructure - we help power modern life.
As one of the UK’s fastest-growing utility and infrastructure businesses, we deliver complex, nationally critical projects across power, energy transition, water, telecoms, and digital infrastructure. Over the last five years, OCU has grown five-fold to a £1.1bn organisation, expanding both organically and through strategic acquisitions across the UK, Australia, New Zealand and India.
Our growth is driven by ambitious people, operational excellence, and a commitment to doing things properly. We work on projects that genuinely matter by supporting the UK’s energy transition, strengthening essential infrastructure, and helping build more sustainable communities for the future.
Whether you’re an experienced professional looking to take ownership of major projects and influence delivery at scale, or someone starting your career through an apprenticeship, graduate programme, or placement route, OCU offers real opportunity to grow, develop, and make an impact.
We are building a business where high performance, collaboration, innovation, and accountability sit at the centre of our culture. Our people are trusted to lead, encouraged to challenge thinking, and supported to continuously develop their skills and careers.
At OCU, you won’t just join a growing business, you’ll help shape it.
Our Culture & Values
At OCU, our values are at the heart of everything we do. We care about safety, lead with integrity, strive to be better every day, make a positive impact, and deliver to grow, together, as One Company United.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
At OCU Group, we believe diversity, inclusion, and belonging are fundamental to building stronger teams, better ideas, and a more successful business. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
As part of our commitment to fairness and equality, candidates may be asked to complete an equal opportunities monitoring form during the recruitment process. This information is used for monitoring purposes only and plays no part in hiring decisions.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and are committed to offering interviews to candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions who meet the essential criteria for the role.
To ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to join our team, please inform us if you require any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment and interview process is, by emailing
[email protected].
