Contract Manager

Ground Control; Hare Street; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental services company is seeking an experienced Contract Manager to oversee field operations across Essex. This role includes managing contracts related to vegetation and tree surgery while maintaining client relationships and team leadership. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in financial management, exceptional planning skills, and a proactive mindset. This position offers career development opportunities and a competitive benefits package, including time off and bonuses.

Benefits

23 days holiday + bank holidays

Yearly bonus scheme & share options

Robust pension scheme

Employee support services

Free or subsidised gym memberships

Employee Recognition Scheme

2 personal volunteering days

Qualifications

• Proven experience in financial management including profit and loss.
• Strong team leadership and people development skills.
• Confidence using various software tools for management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee contract performance ensuring safety and budget compliance.
• Act as client liaison to maintain relationships and resolve issues.
• Lead and develop a team of Project Managers and Coordinators.

Skills

Financial management

Planning skills

Team leadership

MS Office proficiency

Communication skills

Proactive mindset

Tools

GIS Systems

Power BI

Contract management tools

Job description

Are you an experienced Contract Manager ready to take the next step in your career within the Environmental sector?

Join Ground Control, an award-winning external maintenance and environmental services company, and lead field-based operations across Essex in a role where no two days are the same.

You'll oversee vegetation management and tree surgery contracts around pylons and power lines, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery. This is a fantastic opportunity to combine your leadership, operational and client management skills in a business committed to sustainability and innovation. Oversee contract performance, ensuring work is delivered safely, on time, and within budget.

Act as the main client liaison, maintaining strong relationships and resolving issues quickly.

Lead and develop your team of Project Managers, Coordinators, and Trainees.

Manage financial performance, including forecasting, profit and loss, and revenue targets.

Champion health, safety, and environmental standards across all projects. Career Development Focus: We're committed to supporting your professional growth with clear career paths, training, and tailored development programs, including our GC Leadership Academy, job specific accreditations and higher education opportunities.

We'd love to hear from you if you have Contract Management experience in Arboriculture, Forestry, Grounds Maintenance, Utilities, or similar field-based service industries.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in financial management including P&L
• Exceptional planning skills with the ability to see the solutions to the bigger picture problems
• Strong team leadership and people development skills
• Confidence using MS Office, GIS Systems, Power BI, and contract management tools
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities with the ability to influence at different levels
• A proactive mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence

This is a field-based role across Harlow & Essex, with the flexibility to work from home when not on-site so a full UK driving licence is required.

At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate based on sex, age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and beyond.

Growth and Culture

Exciting Growth Opportunities: Be part of a rapidly growing company with a dynamic team and expanding client base.

Collaborative Environment: Work in a supportive, engaging, and innovative culture where your contributions are valued.

Competitive Package

• 23 days holiday, Increasing with length of service + bank holidays
• Yearly bonus scheme & Share options
• Robust pension scheme
• Medigold employee support, Free Flu Jabs, Online private GP Service
• Free or subsidised national gym memberships
• Employee Recognition Scheme
• 2 personal choice volunteering days

Ground Control is a UK-based grounds maintenance company powered by the latest technology. Since launching in 1973, Ground Control has grown rapidly and now provides full national coverage for our customers across the UK and Ireland.

We deliver a range of services, including grounds maintenance, winter gritting, landscape construction, design, arboriculture, electric vehicle charging point installation to more than 50,000 commercial properties across the UK.