Contract Manager

Browne Construction; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Browne Construction seeks a driven Contracts Manager to lead rising main installations and wastewater projects for UK clients. You will own project plans, coordinate subcontractors and guide teams to deliver safe, on‑time, within‑budget outcomes.

With 10+ years in water/wastewater delivery, NEC contracts experience, and strong commercial acumen, you’ll shape specifications, manage client relationships and drive best practice across the programme.

Qualifications

• Proven background in wastewater or civil engineering infrastructure projects.
• Strong commercial understanding and ability to control project costs.
• Familiarity with NEC contracts and project lifecycle management.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in water/wastewater projects/programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, delivery and coordination of rising main installations and wastewater projects.
• Develop project plans, resource plans and schedules; ensure on‑time delivery.
• Manage subcontractors and guide project teams to safe, high‑quality outcomes.
• Build strong client relationships and shape technical specifications across programmes.

Skills

Confident leader

Excellent communication

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

NVQ Level 4 or above

Tools

MS Word

Excel

MS Project

Job description

We're looking for a driven and confident Contracts Manager to lead the planning, delivery and coordination of rising main installations and wider wastewater infrastructure projects for Thames Water. This is a role where you'll take ownership from day one developing project plans, building strong client relationships, managing subcontractors, and guiding your teams to deliver high-quality, safe and efficient outcomes.

You’ll ensure each project is carefully scoped, properly resourced, and delivered to agreed timelines, budgets and quality standards. Working closely with clients, designers and supply chain partners, you’ll help shape the technical specification of deliverables and drive best-practice approaches throughout the programme. A key part of your success will be your ability to inspire confidence, communicate clearly, and help expand our workstream through consistently excellent service and project performance.

About Browne

At Browne, we are engineering with purpose.

We're a leading UK contractor working in the water and civil engineering sectors, delivering projects that help improve everyday life. From building pipelines and upgrading pumping stations to maintaining reservoirs and drainage systems, we support cleaner water, stronger infrastructure and more reliable services for communities.

We offer a wide range of career opportunities both on site and behind the scenes. Whether your skills are in engineering, project delivery, safety, sustainability, commercial, planning or business support, there's a place for you at Browne. We value different perspectives and experiences, and we're proud to be a Silver Award Investors in Diversity accredited employer.

Our teams use smart technology and a hands-on approach to make sure every job is delivered safely and to a high standard. We support our clients through the full life of their assets, from construction and mechanical systems to long-term maintenance.

Browne is part of Renew Holdings plc, a UK-based group of specialist engineering companies.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking someone with the right blend of technical experience, leadership capability and commercial awareness to thrive in our fast-paced environment.

Experience & Knowledge

• Proven background managing wastewater or civil engineering infrastructure projects
• Strong commercial understanding and experience controlling project costs
• Familiarity with NEC contracts and project lifecycle management
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in specification, delivery and management of water and wastewater infrastructure projects/programmes

Skills

• Confident leader able to motivate teams and coordinate subcontractors
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills
• Sharp problem-solving, decision-making and organisational abilities
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple programmes

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 4 or above
• SMSTS and CSCS
• Desirable: NRSWA Supervisor, IOSH Managing Safely / CITB Site Manager Safety, PMP or equivalent, NEC PM accreditation, and good working knowledge of MS Word, Excel and ProjectIf you're committed to quality, safety and great project delivery, this is your next step. Join us and help shape the future of wastewater services.

Please note that we drug and alcohol test all new starters as part of their induction, whilst also carrying out a DBS check.

Engineering with purpose