Works Manager​/Contracts Manager

Works Manager / Contracts Manager - Arboriculture & Vegetation Management
Lead arboriculture and vegetation-management works across highways sites, coordinating people, plant and resources to deliver safe, compliant and efficient operations. A strong fit for an experienced operational leader from vegetation management, tree surgery or site clearance.
If you've also worked in the following roles, we'd also like to hear from you:
Operations Manager, Contract Supervisor, Site Manager, Project Manager, Vegetation Manager, Arboriculture Manager, Grounds Maintenance Contracts Manager, Operations Supervisor
SALARY:
£40,000 to £50,000 per annum (depending on experience)

LOCATION:

Polegate, East Sussex
JOB TYPE:
Full-Time, Permanent
JOB OVERVIEW
This is an opportunity to take ownership of varied, essential works across a fast-paced operational environment. The Works Manager / Contracts Manager will coordinate safe, compliant and efficient delivery across multiple sites while supporting teams with clear plans, resources and direction.
Working closely with clients, contractors and internal teams, the Works Manager / Contracts Manager will help keep programmes on track, costs controlled and standards high.
Regular site involvement gives the Works Manager / Contracts Manager a direct role in scoping works, resolving operational issues and maintaining professional service.
DUTIES
Your duties as the Works Manager / Contracts Manager include:
Site Delivery and Scoping:  Oversee arboriculture, de-vegetation and vegetation-management works, visit sites, assess conditions and produce accurate scopes
RAMS and Compliance:  Prepare, review and monitor risk assessments and method statements, ensuring authorised controls are implemented
Resource Planning:  Coordinate labour, plant, vehicles and specialist equipment across multiple live projects
Rotas and Coverage:  Maintain operational rotas, managing holidays, sickness and unforeseen changes, including day, night and highway-closure works where required
Audits and Inspections:  Check health and safety, environmental compliance, quality, site requirements and safe systems of work
Team Leadership:  Direct and support frontline employees through clear communication, appraisals, absence management and workforce planning
Recruitment and Training:  Support recruitment and onboarding, identify skills gaps and coordinate operational training with relevant internal teams
Contract Performance:  Monitor programme, budget and client requirements, taking corrective action when operational issues arise
Stakeholder Liaison:  Work professionally with clients, principal contractors, traffic-management providers, road users and the public
Plant and Fleet Compliance:  Support the maintenance and compliance of vehicles, plant, machinery and equipment
Procurement and Systems:  Procure materials, tools and services and raise accurate purchase orders through Procore
Timesheet Control :
Review and approve employee timesheets accurately and on time
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL
Previous experience in works, contracts or operations management, supervision or a similar operational leadership role
Strong practical knowledge of arboriculture, tree surgery, site clearance or vegetation-management operations
Experience delivering works within highways or another safety-critical environment
Thorough understanding of health and safety, environmental responsibilities, RAMS and site compliance
Experience managing field-based teams, rotas, resources, plant and equipment
Ability to inspect sites and scope works accurately
Strong planning, organisation and problem-solving skills
Confident communication with clients, contractors, operational teams and members of the public
Good commercial awareness with an understanding of…