Contract Manager Substation Civils

OCU; Erith; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

OCU is seeking a Contracts Manager to lead operational delivery across multiple substation projects and frameworks in the UK, based in Erith/Greenwich. You will guide Project Managers and teams to deliver safely, on time, and within budget, coordinating resources and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

The role requires significant experience in utilities or construction operations, strong leadership, and a track record of delivering complex programmes.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in operations or project management within utilities, power, infrastructure, engineering, or construction environments.
• Proven track record of managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex projects.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Experience managing project programmes, resources, and operational performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational delivery of multiple substation projects and maintenance workstreams across framework contracts.
• Manage Project Managers and project teams, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
• Coordinate labour, plant, materials, and subcontractor resources to maximise delivery performance.
• Monitor programme performance, identifying and resolving issues that may impact project timelines.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, stakeholders, and supply chain partners.
• Drive compliance with company procedures, client requirements, and industry regulations.
• Champion a positive safety culture and ensure high standards of health, safety, environmental, and quality performance.
• Review operational performance, risks, and opportunities, providing regular updates to senior leadership.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, consistency, and project outcomes.
• Support commercial performance through effective planning, resource management, and cost awareness.

Skills

Operations management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Health & safety

Project planning

Job description

Location and Contract

Department: Regulated Power

Location: Erith/ Greenwich

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full-Time

Office & Site Based

Regular Travel

Pay / Benefits: Remuneration for this role is benchmarked competitively within our sector.

The Opportunity

OCU is delivering critical substation construction, refurbishment, and maintenance programmes that support the resilience and future growth of the UK's electricity network. As a Contracts Manager, you'll take ownership of operational delivery across multiple frameworks, leading Project Managers and delivery teams to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. This is a key leadership role within our Power division, offering the opportunity to shape operational performance, build strong client relationships, and drive successful delivery across a diverse portfolio of substation projects. If you're an experienced operational leader who thrives in a fast-paced infrastructure environment, we'd like to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the operational delivery of multiple substation projects and maintenance workstreams across framework contracts.
• Manage Project Managers and project teams, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
• Coordinate labour, plant, materials, and subcontractor resources to maximise delivery performance.
• Monitor programme performance, identifying and resolving issues that may impact project timelines.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, stakeholders, and supply chain partners.
• Drive compliance with company procedures, client requirements, and industry regulations.
• Champion a positive safety culture and ensure high standards of health, safety, environmental, and quality performance.
• Review operational performance, risks, and opportunities, providing regular updates to senior leadership.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, consistency, and project outcomes.
• Support commercial performance through effective planning, resource management, and cost awareness.

What You’ll Bring

• Significant experience in operations or project management within utilities, power, infrastructure, engineering, or construction environments.
• Proven track record of managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex projects.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Experience managing project programmes, resources, and operational performance.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements within construction environments.
• Ability to build and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships.
• Proficiency in project and operations management systems and software.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Experience delivering substation construction, maintenance, or electrical infrastructure projects.
• Bonus if you have experience working within DNO, ICP, or Transmission & Distribution environments.
• It would be great if you hold qualifications such as SMSTS, IOSH, NEBOSH, NVQ Level 6, or equivalent.
• It would be great if you’ve managed long-term framework contracts and client relationships.
• Experience supporting business growth, strategic planning, and operational improvement initiatives would be advantageous.

What We Offer

At OCU, we believe that meaningful work should come with meaningful support. That’s the principle behind Careers with Purpose, our commitment to ensuring every person at OCU feels supported, developed, and valued, not just in their role today, but throughout their career with us. Alongside the opportunity to work on some of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects, we offer a benefits package that we are continuing to develop as we grow, and the kind of career acceleration that only comes from being inside a business moving at this pace. As a rapidly growing organisation, there are genuine opportunities to progress, broaden your experience, and build a long-term career within OCU Group.

To ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to join our team, please inform us if you require any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment and interview process is, by emailing [e-mail].