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 schemes in the UK, overseeing multiple projects from pre-construction through to handover with safety, programme and budget in focus.

You will work with design, commercial and operations teams, manage NEC and JCT contracts, drive commercial performance, risk management and client relationships on high-value programmes.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead health, safety and environmental standards across multiple projects and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Manage design consultants, pre-construction planning and mobilisation to programme and budget.
• Oversee commercial reporting, CVRs and subcontractor performance, and present results to senior leadership.
• Build and maintain client and stakeholder relationships, represent the business professionally.
• Lead, mentor and develop site management teams; promote quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Skills

Contract management

NEC/JCT contracts

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Programme planning

Commercial awareness

Risk management

Education

Degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering

SMSTS

CSCS Card

ICE/CIOB membership

Leadership training

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.