Contract Manager

AJ Group; North East; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

AJ Group is seeking an experienced Contract Manager to lead the delivery of major civil engineering and infrastructure projects in the North East. You will oversee multiple schemes from pre-construction through completion, coordinating with design, commercial and operational teams to deliver safely, on programme and within budget.

You will manage design consultants, pre-construction planning and mobilisation while driving improvements in programme, cost and delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering infrastructure schemes with significant value.
• Strong knowledge of NEC and JCT contracts.
• Experience managing design teams and multidisciplinary project delivery.
• Excellent commercial awareness and planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-project delivery across civil infrastructure schemes.
• Manage external design consultants and programme delivery.
• Oversee subcontractor performance and contractual obligations.
• Build long-term relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Lead site teams and promote quality and safety.

Skills

Contract management

Leadership

Programme management

Stakeholder management

Commercial awareness

Client facing

Education

Degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering

SMSTS

CSCS Card

ICE or CIOB membership

Tools

NEC contracts

JCT contracts

Job description

Are you an experienced Contract Manager looking to lead the successful delivery of major civil engineering and infrastructure projects?

An established and growing civil engineering contractor is looking to appoint a Contract Manager to oversee multiple infrastructure schemes from pre-construction through to completion. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a business with a strong pipeline of work across highways, public realm, bridge works, flood alleviation and active travel projects.

You'll play a key leadership role, working alongside design teams, commercial teams and operational staff to deliver projects safely, on programme and within budget.

The Role

You'll be responsible for managing several civil engineering projects simultaneously, supporting tender opportunities, coordinating pre-construction activities, leading project teams and ensuring exceptional commercial, operational and safety performance throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Health, Safety & Environmental

• Lead a strong health and safety culture across all projects.
• Ensure compliance with HSE legislation and CDM regulations.
• Carry out regular Health & Safety audits and report findings.
• Participate in HSEQ meetings and continuous improvement initiatives.

Project & Design Management

• Manage external design consultants and coordinate design delivery to programme and budget.
• Support pre-construction planning and project mobilisation.
• Drive innovation and identify opportunities to improve programme, cost and project delivery.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard.
• Plan and manage labour, plant and subcontractor resources across multiple projects.
• Review, challenge and monitor construction programmes.
• Ensure project teams provide accurate monthly programme updates.
• Demonstrate strong working knowledge of NEC contract requirements, including Early Warnings, Programme clauses and Compensation Events.

Commercial Management

• Work closely with Quantity Surveyors to ensure accurate monthly CVRs and commercial reporting.
• Oversee subcontractor performance and contractual obligations.
• Present project and commercial performance to senior leadership.
• Support tender submissions and attend client interviews where required.

Client & Business Development

• Build strong, long-term relationships with clients, consultants and stakeholders.
• Represent the business professionally throughout project delivery.
• Understand client objectives and consistently exceed expectations.
• Maintain awareness of market trends and competitor activity.

Leadership & Quality

• Lead, mentor and develop site management teams.
• Promote quality assurance and continuous improvement across projects.
• Conduct performance reviews and support the development of future leaders.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture.

What We're Looking For

• Experience delivering infrastructure schemes with annual project values exceeding £10 million.
• Strong knowledge of NEC and JCT contracts.
• Experience managing design teams and multidisciplinary project delivery.
• Excellent commercial awareness, planning and programme management skills.
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder management experience.
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree, HNC, NVQ Level 5 (or equivalent) in Construction Management or Civil Engineering.
• SMSTS.
• CSCS Card.
• Membership of a recognised professional body such as ICE or CIOB.
• Leadership or management training.

Why Join?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a contractor with a strong reputation for delivering complex infrastructure projects and investing in its people.

You'll benefit from:

• Long-term pipeline of major infrastructure projects.
• Opportunities to lead high-value civil engineering schemes.
• Supportive leadership and collaborative working environment.
• Genuine career progression and professional development.
• A business that values integrity, teamwork, innovation and continuous improvement.

If you're an experienced Contract Manager looking for your next challenge within a forward-thinking civil engineering contractor, we'd love to hear from you.