Contract Manager - Ground works & Civil Engineering

hire top talent; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

hire top talent is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to lead groundworks, civil engineering and infrastructure projects in the Nottingham area.

You will manage multiple contracts, review documentation, monitor programmes and budgets, and drive safe, on-time completion while maximizing profitability.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a Contracts Manager role within groundworks, civil engineering or infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of NEC and JCT contracts.
• Proven experience managing multiple projects valued between £1 million and £15 million+.
• Excellent commercial awareness and cost control skills.
• Strong leadership and people management abilities.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple groundworks and civil engineering contracts simultaneously.
• Review contract documentation and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Oversee projects from pre-start through to completion and handover.
• Monitor project programmes and ensure key milestones are achieved.
• Identify and manage project risks, implementing corrective actions where necessary.
• Ensure all works comply with client specifications, company procedures and industry standards.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, consultants, local authorities and suppliers.
• Coordinate Site Managers, Engineers and subcontractors to ensure effective resource use.
• Review RAMS, site safety plans and construction phase documentation.
• Monitor productivity and drive improvements on site.

Skills

Contract management

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Problem-solving

Commercial awareness

Risk management

Client relations

Budget control

Job description

Contracts Manager – Groundworks & Civil Engineering

We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to join our dynamic team, specialising in groundworks, civil engineering and infrastructure projects.

Job Type: Contract, Full-time

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 07:30–17:00

Location: Nottingham area, covering the East

Key Responsibilities

Contract & Project Management

• Manage multiple groundworks and civil engineering contracts simultaneously.
• Review contract documentation and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Oversee projects from pre-start through to completion and handover.
• Monitor project programmes and ensure key milestones are achieved.
• Identify and manage project risks, implementing corrective actions where necessary.
• Ensure all works comply with client specifications, company procedures and industry standards.

Commercial Management

• Work closely with Quantity Surveyors to monitor project costs and profitability.
• Review applications, valuations, variations and final accounts.
• Identify opportunities for additional revenue and cost recovery.
• Monitor budgets, forecasts and cost reports.
• Manage subcontractor performance and contractual obligations.

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Promote a positive health and safety culture across all projects.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and relevant legislation.
• Review RAMS, site-specific safety plans and construction phase documentation.
• Carry out regular site inspections and audits.
• Support investigations into accidents, incidents and near misses.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, local authorities and suppliers.
• Attend client meetings and represent the company professionally.
• Resolve contractual and operational issues promptly and effectively.
• Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and encourage repeat business.

Resource & Site Management

• Coordinate Site Managers, Engineers and subcontractors.
• Ensure labour, plant, materials and equipment are allocated effectively.
• Monitor productivity and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support the recruitment, management and development of site-based personnel.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure all works meet project specifications and required quality standards.
• Review inspection and test plans.
• Oversee project documentation and record keeping.
• Ensure defects are identified and rectified promptly.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance will be measured against the following areas:

• Project profitability and margin achievement.
• Programme performance and completion dates.
• Health and safety performance.
• Client satisfaction and retention.
• Quality standards and defect management.
• Recovery of variations and successful final account settlements.
• Efficient utilisation of labour and plant resources.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a Contracts Manager role within groundworks, civil engineering or infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of NEC and JCT contracts.
• Proven experience managing multiple projects valued between £1 million and £15 million+.
• Excellent commercial awareness and cost control skills.
• Strong leadership and people management abilities.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and problem-solving skills.

The Ideal Candidate

• You will be an organised, commercially aware and proactive Contracts Manager with a strong background in groundworks and civil engineering. You will have the leadership skills and technical knowledge required to manage multiple projects successfully, build effective working relationships and drive projects towards safe, profitable and timely completion.