Contract Manager

Carnell Support Services; Purston Jaglin; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Carnell is seeking an experienced Contract Manager to lead multiple highway and civil engineering projects across Yorkshire, the UK, and nationwide. You will oversee delivery, safety, budgets, and programme, guiding teams and maintaining strong client relationships.

This role requires NEC contract knowledge, strong commercial acumen, and a track record of leading operational teams on complex schemes. You will travel as needed and drive performance through coaching and rigorous governance.

Qualifications

• HNC/HND in Civil Engineering or equivalent qualification.
• NVQ Level 6 or Level 7 relevant to civil engineering.
• CSCS Manager Card and SMSTS qualification are required.
• Experience with NEC contracts and commercial management principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the safe and successful delivery of highway maintenance and civil projects.
• Manage Project Managers and operations teams to hit targets.
• Build strong client and stakeholder relationships across projects.
• Monitor programme delivery, budgets and contract performance.
• Review RAMS and Construction Phase Plans and approve key safety docs.
• Support tender submissions through site visits and technical input.
• Oversee temporary works, quality assurance and compliance processes.
• Mitigate project risks and mentor teams to improve performance.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environment and quality standards.

Skills

Contract management

Leadership

Commercial awareness

Stakeholder management

Education

HNC/HND in Civil Engineering

NVQ Level 6 or 7

SMSTS qualification

Tools

MS Project

Job description

Contract Manager

Location: Featherstone with Travel around Yorkshire North East and Nationwide

Job Type: Full Time

Lead Major Infrastructure Projects Across the UK

Are you an experienced Contract Manager ready to take the lead on complex highway and civil engineering projects that make a real impact?

At Carnell, you'll play a vital role in delivering critical highway maintenance and infrastructure schemes that keep the UK's road network safe, efficient and connected. You'll lead high-performing teams, build trusted client relationships and drive projects from inception through to successful completion.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated leader who enjoys taking ownership, developing people and delivering outstanding results in a fast-paced operational environment.

What You'll Be Doing

As Contract Manager, you'll have overall responsibility for the successful delivery of multiple projects, ensuring they are completed safely, efficiently, on programme and within budget.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the safe and successful delivery of highway maintenance and civil engineering projects.
• Managing Project Managers, Construction Managers and operational teams to achieve performance targets.
• Building and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with clients and key stakeholders.
• Monitoring contract performance, programme delivery and financial outcomes.
• Reviewing and approving key health and safety documentation, including RAMS and Construction Phase Plans.
• Supporting tender submissions and pre-construction activities through site visits and technical expertise.
• Overseeing temporary works, quality assurance and compliance processes.
• Managing project risks and implementing effective mitigation strategies.
• Coaching, mentoring and developing teams to support both business performance and individual growth.
• Ensuring compliance with all health, safety, environmental and quality standards.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• HNC/HND in Civil Engineering or equivalent qualification.
• NVQ Level 6 or Level 7.
• CSCS Manager Card.
• SMSTS qualification.
• Previous experience in a Contract Manager or senior operational leadership role within highways or civil engineering.
• Strong understanding of NEC contracts and commercial management principles.
• Experience using MS Project.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable

• Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) qualification.
• NRSWA accreditation.
• Experience working on National Highways or high-speed road networks.

About You

• Leads by example and inspires teams to perform at their best.
• Takes ownership and remains focused on delivering results.
• Has strong commercial awareness and a strategic mindset.
• Builds positive relationships with customers, colleagues and stakeholders.
• Communicates confidently and effectively at all levels.
• Is passionate about developing people and creating a positive team culture.
• Demonstrates a relentless commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.

Why Join Carnell?

At Carnell, we do more than maintain highways. We create safer journeys, stronger communities and rewarding careers.

We are committed to investing in our people, giving them the opportunity to develop their skills, progress their careers and make a meaningful contribution to the business. You'll join a supportive and collaborative environment where your expertise is valued and your achievements are recognised.

Our Values

Everything we do is guided by our values:

Passionate. Responsive. Innovative. Trustworthy. Respectful.

These values underpin how we work with our customers, our communities and each other every day.

Our Commitment to You

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and able to reach their full potential. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences and believe that diverse perspectives help us build stronger teams and better outcomes.

We also place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of our people, ensuring everyone goes home safely while supporting a healthy work-life balance.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're looking for an opportunity to lead major infrastructure projects, influence business performance and help shape the future of a growing organisation, we'd love to hear from you.