Operations Manager / Contracts Manager
Location: Ripley, Derbyshire (National travel as required)
Salary: £60,000 – £80,000 (dependent on experience)
About Restek
Founded in 2013, Restek provides a range of specialist services including concrete structural repairs, composite strengthening, ground remediation, and geotechnical solutions through the use of innovative materials, specialist products, and techniques.
In January 2021, Restek laid new foundations by becoming an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This transition allows our valued employees not only to own a stake in the business but also to play an active role in shaping its future success.
Having achieved significant growth over the past five years and established a strong reputation for delivering specialist projects for National Highways, Network Rail, Tier 1 Contractors, Water Utilities, and Local Authorities, we are now looking to recruit an experienced Operations Manager / Contracts Manager to join our senior leadership team.
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual to take ownership of multiple projects across the UK, driving operational excellence, commercial performance, and client satisfaction while supporting the continued growth of the business.
Role Overview
As Operations Manager / Contracts Manager, you will play a key leadership role in the successful delivery of Restek’s specialist remediation, geotechnical, and structural repair projects. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will oversee multiple live contracts, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on programme, and within budget.
You will be responsible for leading project delivery teams, managing resources, maintaining client relationships, and ensuring compliance with contractual, quality, environmental, and health & safety requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Project Delivery
- Lead and manage the safe, timely, and commercially successful delivery of multiple concurrent contracts.
- Oversee Project Managers, Site Managers, Engineers, and subcontractors across UK-wide projects.
- Ensure projects are delivered in line with agreed programmes, specifications, budgets, and client expectations.
- Coordinate labour, plant, materials, and subcontractor resources to maximise operational efficiency.
- Support project teams in overcoming technical and operational challenges.
- Monitor project performance and implement corrective actions where required.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement across all operational activities.
Contract Management
- Monitor project budgets, forecasts, cost reporting, and overall commercial performance.
- Review and manage CVRs, variations, compensation events, early warning notices, and claims.
- Ensure contractual obligations are met in accordance with NEC, JCT, and framework requirements.
- Work closely with the Commercial Team to maximise project profitability and minimise risk.
- Support tender handovers and ensure smooth project mobilisation.
- Identify project risks and opportunities and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
Client & Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, principal contractors, and key stakeholders.
- Act as the senior operational point of contact for allocated projects.
- Attend client meetings, progress reviews, and framework performance meetings.
- Ensure client expectations are met and opportunities for repeat business are maximised.
- Support business development activities through excellent project delivery and customer service.
Health, Safety, Quality & Environmental Management
- Promote and maintain the highest standards of Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental compliance.
- Ensure compliance with CDM 2015, company procedures, industry standards, and client-specific requirements.
- Drive quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives across all projects.
- Support incident investigations and implementation of corrective actions where required.
- Ensure project documentation, records, and reporting are maintained accurately and efficiently.
Team Leadership
- Support the Contracts Director with departmental planning, resource management, and operational strategy.
- Mentor and develop Project Managers, Engineers, and Site Managers.
- Assist with succession planning and workforce development.
- Contribute to business growth initiatives and operational improvements.
- Promote Restek’s values and employee ownership culture throughout the business.
About You
We are looking for a strong operational leader with a proven track record of managing multiple construction projects and delivery teams within specialist contracting environments. You will have excellent commercial awareness, strong technical knowledge, and the ability to build lasting client relationships while maintaining the highest standards of project delivery.
The successful candidate will be a proactive problem solver, capable of making sound decisions, leading teams effectively, and contributing to the continued growth and success of the business.
Essential Requirements
- Proven experience in an Operations Manager, Contracts Manager, or Senior Project Manager role within civil engineering, ground engineering, remediation, or structural repair sectors.
- Experience managing multiple projects and delivery teams simultaneously.
- Strong understanding of NEC and JCT forms of contract.
- Excellent commercial awareness and contract management skills.
- Experience managing project budgets, forecasting, variations, and claims.
- Strong leadership, communication, and people management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams and prioritise effectively.
- Excellent stakeholder management and client-facing skills.
- Strong reporting, planning, and organisational abilities.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally.
Desirable Requirements
- Experience within ground remediation, geotechnical engineering, structural concrete repair, or specialist contracting sectors.
- Knowledge of resin and chemical grouting, void filling, mini-piling, geopolymer injection, concrete repair, and composite strengthening techniques.
- Understanding of CDM 2015 and construction health and safety legislation.
- SMSTS qualification.
- CSCS Black or Gold Card.
- Temporary Works Coordinator qualification.
- Relevant construction, engineering, or management qualifications.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £60,000 – £80,000.
- Company vehicle or car allowance.
- Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) membership after one year of continuous service.
- Opportunity to play a key leadership role within a growing specialist contractor.
- Excellent career progression and professional development opportunities.
If you are looking to join a forward-thinking, employee-owned business where you can make a real impact on project delivery, operational performance, and future growth, we would love to hear from you.
Pay: £60,000.00-£80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
