Contract Engineering Manager - Dartford

Balfour Beatty; Dartford; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction company in Dartford is seeking a Contracts Engineering Manager to oversee critical highway projects, including the M25. The role combines technical expertise with commercial strategy oversight. Ideal candidates should have a degree in Civil Engineering, experience with highway standards, and a collaborative approach to project management. This position offers flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

25 days paid annual leave

Family friendly policies

Pension and share incentive plan

Qualifications

• Technical authority in commercial team for high-profile projects.
• Ability to assess commercial impacts of engineering standards.
• Experience guiding technical requirements in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with legal and contractual obligations.
• Lead technical oversight across engineering projects.
• Manage financial implications of design changes.

Skills

Highway design standards

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Risk management

Collaborative mindset

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering

Professional membership (ICE, IMechE, IEE)

Job description

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About the role

We're looking for a Contracts Engineering Manager to help deliver one of Europe's most high-profile highway projects: the M25 London Orbital Motorway.
This role offers flexibility to be based at our offices in Leatherhead, South Mimms, or Dartford.

Connect Plus Services (CPS) - a joint venture between Balfour Beatty, Atkins, and Egis - operates and maintains the M25, Europe's busiest motorway. With over £100 million invested annually in infrastructure, the project offers a unique and rewarding challenge in highways engineering.

If you're looking to grow your career or take on your next big opportunity in highways, this is the place to do it.

What you'll be doing

This is a unique opportunity to take on a high-impact role at the intersection of engineering and commercial strategy on one of Europe's most complex and high-profile highways projects-the M25. As Contracts Engineering Manager, you'll act as a technical authority within the Commercial Team, helping to shape the successful delivery of multi-million-pound civil engineering works.

You'll assess the commercial impact of changes to technical standards, scope, and legal requirements-collaborating closely with operational, technical, and commercial teams to translate complex engineering requirements into clear, actionable plans that protect and advance the company's interests.
Key responsibilities include:

Contract Management & Compliance

Interpret design and maintenance standards, codes, and specifications, translating them into project requirements.
Prepare, submit, and negotiate contract amendments and change proposals.
Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations.
Resolve discrepancies or issues during project delivery.

Engineering Oversight & Technical Expertise

Lead on technical implications of design and renewal standards across the network.
Use asset data to predict and plan future maintenance and renewal needs.
Champion high engineering standards, safety, and project quality.
Ensure technical consistency throughout project lifecycles.

Financial Impact & Risk Management

Prepare accurate technical estimates from first principles.
Assess financial and operational risks related to design and standard changes.
Report key changes to leadership, informing strategic and commercial decisions.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, technically demanding environment and wants to make a measurable impact on the UK's national infrastructure.

Who we're looking for

We're seeking a technically sharp, commercially aware engineering professional who can confidently operate at the intersection of infrastructure design and project delivery. To succeed in this role, you'll bring:

• A degree in Civil Engineering (BEng, BSc, or MSc) or a closely related discipline.
• Professional membership (or fellowship) with a recognised body such as ICE, IMechE, IEE-or an equivalent institution.
• A strong grasp of highway design standards and specifications, and the ability to interpret and apply them to complex civil engineering projects.
• Excellent analytical skills to assess the technical and commercial impact of design changes, standards updates, and shifts in scope.
• Outstanding communication skills-able to translate complex technical detail into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• A collaborative mindset, with experience working cross-functionally to guide and support operational, commercial, and technical teams.
• A proactive approach to identifying and addressing risks, issues, and opportunities tied to evolving technical standards or legal requirements.

If you're a civil engineer who's equally comfortable with technical depth and commercial thinking, this role offers an exciting step forward.

Why work for us

Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK's most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

Why join us?

As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn't rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You'll have the freedom to shape the package that's right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:

- Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
- 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
- Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
- Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more...

About us

Connect Plus Services (CPS) brings together the collective strength of our parent companies - Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK. With around 600 people, based at eight locations across the M25 network, we work on behalf of Connect Plus and National Highways to manage the operation of the M25 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, from routine maintenance to managing the whole-life requirement of thousands of assets across the network.

Diversity and inclusion

At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit www.balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion

To help and support us with our desired commitment to create an inclusive culture we are members of WISE, enei, Business Disability Forum and the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE). In 2020, we signed the Audeliss and Involve Open Letter to demonstrate our commitment to taking key long term and sustainable actions on Black Inclusion. Balfour Beatty is also a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence 'Employer Recognition Scheme' and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit: https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/

We are looking to continually improve our resourcing process and ensure that it is fair and inclusive for all. If you have any feedback on the process, please share this with us at: [e-mail]