Contracts Manager

Fawkes & Reece Group; Bicester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Browne, a leading UK contractor in water and civil engineering, seeks a Contracts Manager to lead planning, delivery and coordination of rising main installations and wastewater infrastructure for Thames Water. You will take ownership from day one, develop project plans, build client relationships, manage subcontractors, and guide teams to deliver safe, high-quality outcomes within timelines and budgets.

This role requires strategic thinking, strong commercial awareness and a proven track record

Qualifications

• Proven background managing wastewater or civil infrastructure projects.
• Experience with NEC contracts and project lifecycle management.
• Minimum 10 years in specification, delivery and management of water and wastewater infrastructure projects/programmes.
• Strong commercial awareness and experience controlling project costs.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, delivery and coordination of rising main installations and wastewater projects.
• Develop project plans, resourcing and schedules from day one.
• Build and maintain client relationships, manage subcontractors and guide teams to delivery.
• Ensure projects are scoped, resourced, delivered on time, within budget and to quality standards.
• Collaborate with designers and supply chain to shape technical specifications and drive best-practice.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder mgmt

Communication

Problem solving

Organisational

Team coordination

Education

NVQ Level 4 or above

Tools

MS Word

Excel

MS Project

Job description

Contracts Manager - Civils & Water Framework - Thames Water

The Vacancy

My client is a Leading Construction and Civil Engineering Contractor.

They are looking for a driven and confident Contracts Manager to lead the planning, delivery and coordination of rising main installations and wider wastewater infrastructure projects for Thames Water. This is a role where you'll take ownership from day one developing project plans, building strong client relationships, managing subcontractors, and guiding your teams to deliver high‑quality, safe and efficient outcomes.

You'll ensure each project is carefully scoped, properly resourced, and delivered to agreed timelines, budgets and quality standards. Working closely with clients, designers and supply chain partners, you'll help shape the technical specification of deliverables and drive best‑practice approaches throughout the programme. A key part of your success will be your ability to inspire confidence, communicate clearly, and help expand our workstream through consistently excellent service and project performance.

About the company

They are a leading UK contractor working in the water and civil engineering sectors, delivering projects that help improve everyday life. From building pipelines and upgrading pumping stations to maintaining reservoirs and drainage systems, we support cleaner water, stronger infrastructure and more reliable services for communities.

They offer a wide range of career opportunities both on site and behind the scenes. Whether your skills are in engineering, project delivery, safety, sustainability, commercial, planning or business support, there's a place for you at Browne. We value different perspectives and experiences, and we're proud to be a Silver Award Investors in Diversity accredited employer.

Their teams use smart technology and a hands‑on approach to make sure every job is delivered safely and to a high standard. We support our clients through the full life of their assets, from construction and mechanical systems to long-term

Requirements

They are seeking someone with the right blend of technical experience, leadership capability and commercial awareness to thrive in their fast‑paced environment.

Experience & Knowledge

• Proven background managing wastewater or civil engineering infrastructure projects
• Strong commercial understanding and experience controlling project costs
• Familiarity with NEC contracts and project lifecycle management
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in specification, delivery and management of water and wastewater infrastructure projects/programmes

Skills

• Confident leader able to motivate teams and coordinate subcontractors
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills
• Sharp problem‑solving, decision‑making and organisational abilities
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple programmes

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 4 or above
• SMSTS and CSCS
• Desirable: NRSWA Supervisor, IOSH Managing Safely / CITB Site Manager Safety, PMP or equivalent, NEC PM accreditation, and good working knowledge of MS Word, Excel and Project