Contract Manager Substation Civils

OCU Group; Erith; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

OCU Group is seeking a Contract Manager for Substation Civils in Erith. You will lead operational delivery across multiple frameworks, supervising Project Managers and delivery teams to ensure safe, timely, and efficient project completion.

The role requires managing resources, maintaining client relationships, and driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced infrastructure environment. The successful candidate will bring significant experience in utilities or construction project management,

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.
• 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.

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.

Job description

Contract Manager Substation Civils

Department: Regulated Power

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Erith

Reporting To: Kate Bazeley

Description

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.

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.

• 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.

Our vacancies are typically advertised for two weeks; however, we reserve the right to close applications early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable candidates.