Contracts Manager

Utilise Recruitment; Bath; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Utilise Recruitment is supporting a well-established specialist infrastructure services business in recruiting a Contracts Manager to oversee contracts and operational teams across Somerset. You will own service delivery, client relationships and drive safe, efficient project execution.

In this role you will manage reactive and planned works, plan resources, monitor KPIs, and ensure profitability while maintaining high standards of health and safety and environmental compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience managing drainage, highways, utilities, or related infrastructure operations.
• Strong knowledge of maintenance techniques and contract management.
• Proven ability to lead field-based and depot-based teams.

Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for day-to-day contract management.
• Lead depot-based and field-based teams to meet objectives.
• Plan labour, equipment and resources for efficiency.
• Ensure health, safety and environmental compliance.
• Monitor performance against KPIs and service levels.
• Manage employee performance and training needs.
• Maintain customer relationships and manage schedules.
• Prepare quotations and pricing in line with contracts.
• Monitor project costs and monthly reporting.
• Conduct site inspections and audits for quality and safety.
• Drive continuous improvement across the operation.

Skills

Contract management

Highways maintenance

Team leadership

Budget control

Health & safety

Client relationships

Education

CSCS card

SMSTS

IOSH Managing Safely

Job description

Contracts Manager

Somerset Area

Salary: Circa £50,000 + Vehicle & Benefits

We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established and rapidly expanding specialist infrastructure services business that is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to oversee contracts and operational teams across Somerset. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated manager with a strong background in highways maintenance who thrives in a busy operational environment and enjoys taking ownership of service delivery, team performance, and client relationships. No two days are the same in this role. You will be responsible for ensuring drainage projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards while supporting the continued growth of the operation.

The Role

As Contracts Manager, you will oversee a variety of maintenance and infrastructure services, including reactive and planned works. Working alongside operational teams and clients, you will ensure contractual obligations are met while maintaining profitability and compliance.

Key duties will include:

• Taking full responsibility for the day-to-day management of contracts.
• Leading depot-based and field-based teams to achieve operational objectives.
• Planning labour, equipment, and resources to maximise efficiency.
• Ensuring all activities comply with relevant health, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Monitoring contract performance against agreed service levels and KPIs.
• Managing employee performance, training requirements, and workforce development.
• Building and maintaining strong working relationships with customers and stakeholders.
• Creating and managing work schedules to ensure projects are delivered on time.
• Preparing quotations and pricing additional works in line with agreed contract frameworks.
• Monitoring project costs and financial performance, including monthly reporting and applications.
• Conducting site inspections and audits to verify compliance, quality, and safe working practices.
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.

About You

• Previous experience managing drainage, highways, utilities, or related infrastructure operations.
• A strong understanding of maintenance techniques and associated services.
• Experience leading operational teams within a field-based environment.
• Knowledge of contract management, resource planning, and budget control.
• A proactive approach to health and safety management.
• Strong communication and client-facing skills.
• The ability to work effectively within a fast-moving and evolving operational environment.
• A valid CSCS card.
• A recognised health and safety qualification such as SMSTS or IOSH Managing Safely.