Contracts Manager

Contracts Manager - Groundworks & Civil Engineering

Location:

Staffordshire / Midlands Salary: £75,000-£90,000  Package Job Type: Full-time, Permanent About the Company Our client is an established groundworks and civil engineering contractor delivering a diverse range of infrastructure, external works and construction projects across the Midlands. With expertise spanning groundworks, earthworks, drainage, roads, foundations, reinforced concrete and external works, the business is committed to delivering projects safely, efficiently and to the highest standards of quality.

Due to ongoing project requirements, the company is looking to appoint an experienced Contracts Manager to oversee multiple live projects, lead site teams and ensure operational, commercial and programme objectives are consistently achieved.

The Role An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Contracts Manager to take responsibility for the successful delivery of multiple groundworks and civil engineering projects across Staffordshire and the wider Midlands. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will oversee projects from pre-start and initial handover through construction, completion and final close-out. You will provide operational leadership to Site Managers, Supervisors and Foremen, ensuring projects are properly planned, adequately resourced and delivered safely, on programme and within budget.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical knowledge of groundworks and civil engineering with excellent leadership, commercial awareness and client management skills. This is a hands-on management role requiring someone who takes ownership, identifies problems early and drives solutions rather than allowing issues to affect project performance.

Key Responsibilities Contracts & Project Management Take overall responsibility for a portfolio of live groundworks and civil engineering projects. Manage projects from pre-start through construction, completion and defects close-out. Review drawings, specifications, contract information and programme requirements. Develop, monitor and maintain realistic construction programmes. Identify delays and implement recovery plans where necessary. Coordinate labour, plant, materials, subcontractors and procurement requirements. Attend client meetings, progress reviews and project coordination meetings.

Monitor project performance and ensure actions are followed through to completion. Site & Team Management Lead and support Site Managers, Supervisors and Foremen across multiple projects. Ensure site teams understand project scope, programme, productivity and quality expectations. Carry out regular site visits and operational reviews. Monitor labour and plant utilisation, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency. Ensure appropriate resources are available to meet programme requirements.

Challenge poor productivity, resolve operational issues and maintain high site standards. Promote accountability and effective communication across project teams. Groundworks & Civil Engineering The successful candidate will have strong experience across several areas of groundworks and civil engineering, including:
Groundworks, earthworks and cut-and-fill operations. Roads, sewers and drainage installations. Foundations, substructures and reinforced concrete works. External works, kerbing, paving and hard landscaping. Tarmac, surfacing and utilities installations. Section 278 highway works. Sports and leisure construction, including play areas and MUGAs. Commercial Management Work closely with the Commercial and Quantity Surveying teams to monitor project budgets and commercial performance. Identify variations and additional works promptly, ensuring they are properly recorded and communicated.

Monitor labour, plant, subcontractor and material costs against agreed budgets. Support cost-value reconciliation (CVR), forecasting and project review meetings. Identify commercial risks and opportunities at an early stage. Monitor subcontractor performance and address issues affecting cost or programme. Maintain accurate site records to support valuations and variation claims. Minimise unnecessary expenditure, rework and avoidable delays. Health, Safety, Quality & Environment Ensure projects comply with company health, safety, quality and environmental requirements.

Review and implement risk assessments and method statements (RAMS). Ensure permits, inspections and site documentation are maintained. Monitor…