A well-established and highly regarded Groundworks & Civil Engineering contractor is looking to appoint an experienced Contracts Manager to join its senior operational team.
With a strong reputation for delivering infrastructure, roads & sewers, earthworks and groundworks packages for major residential developers, the business continues to grow and has secured a significant pipeline of work across Yorkshire, the North West and Midlands.
This is a key appointment for the business and would suit an ambitious Contracts Manager who enjoys taking ownership of multiple projects, developing site teams and influencing schemes from pre-construction through to final handover.
The Opportunity
As Contracts Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing a portfolio of up to 8 live projects at any one time, ensuring they are delivered safely, efficiently, profitably and to the highest quality standards.
Unlike many operational roles, this position offers genuine involvement from the earliest stages of a project. Working closely with the Commercial, Technical and Operational teams, you will play a significant role in pre-construction planning, buildability reviews, programme development and resource strategy before projects commence on site.
The successful candidate will act as the key link between the business's senior leadership team and its site-based operations, ensuring consistency, performance and client satisfaction across all projects.
This is a highly visible role within the organisation and offers a clear route for progression as the company continues its growth trajectory.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Management
- Oversee the successful delivery of up to 8 live groundworks and civil engineering projects simultaneously.
- Manage Site Managers, General Foremen, Engineers and project delivery teams.
- Ensure projects are delivered safely, on programme and within budget.
- Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, quality standards and performance.
- Drive programme performance and proactively resolve delivery issues.
- Ensure labour, plant and subcontract resources are effectively managed across multiple projects.
- Support project teams in overcoming technical and operational challenges.
- Chair progress meetings and maintain strong communication between site and senior management.
Pre-Construction Involvement
- Participate in tender handovers and pre-start meetings.
- Review programmes, logistics plans and project methodologies.
- Provide buildability and sequencing input during pre-construction stages.
- Assist with identifying project risks and opportunities.
- Work closely with estimating and commercial teams to ensure projects are set up for successful delivery.
- Contribute to procurement strategies and resource planning.
- Help develop construction programmes and delivery strategies.
Client & Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and key stakeholders.
- Attend client meetings and provide operational updates.
- Act as the senior operational point of contact throughout project delivery.
- Ensure customer expectations are consistently met or exceeded.
- Identify opportunities for repeat business and framework growth.
Commercial Awareness
- Work closely with Commercial Managers and Quantity Surveyors.
- Monitor project profitability and financial performance.
- Review project costs, variations and risk exposure.
- Assist in the management of change control procedures.
- Support the timely resolution of commercial issues.
Health, Safety & Quality
- Promote a positive health and safety culture throughout the business.
- Ensure all projects comply with company procedures and industry regulations.
- Carry out regular audits and site inspections.
- Drive quality standards and ensure works are completed right first time.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across the business.
The Person
We are looking for an experienced operational leader with a strong background in groundworks and civil engineering.
You will have a proven track record of managing multiple projects concurrently and be comfortable balancing strategic oversight with hands-on operational involvement.
Essential Experience
- Previous experience as a Contracts Manager within Groundworks, Civil Engineering or Infrastructure.
- Experience delivering residential infrastructure projects.
- Strong knowledge of:
- Roads & Sewers
- Section 38 & Section 104 works
- Drainage
- Earthworks
- Foundations
- External works
- Housing infrastructure packages
- Experience managing multiple sites simultaneously.
- Strong client-facing skills.
- Commercial awareness and understanding of project financial performance.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Desirable Experience
- Degree or HNC/HND in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or similar.
- SMSTS, CSCS and First Aid qualifications.
- Experience working with national and regional housebuilders.
- Experience delivering projects ranging from £1m to £20m+.
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to join a business that has built an enviable reputation within the groundworks and civil engineering sector.
The company offers the flexibility and autonomy often associated with a privately owned contractor, combined with the stability of a strong order book and long-standing client relationships.
You will be joining a business that values operational excellence, invests in its people and provides genuine opportunities for career progression.
Package
- £80,000 - £90,000 Basic Salary
- Company Car or Car Allowance
- Performance Bonus
- Pension Scheme
- Private Healthcare
- Ongoing Professional Development
- Long-Term Career Progression Opportunities
INDCON
If you are an experienced Contracts Manager looking to join a growing civil engineering and groundworks contractor where you can genuinely influence project delivery and business growth, we would be keen to hear from you.
Pay: £80,000.00-£90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company car
- Company pension
- Free or subsidised travel
- Free parking
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
