Contracts Manager

Amazon.com, Inc; Bournemouth; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contractor in the utilities sector is looking for a Contracts Manager specializing in clean water to lead and grow the engineering function. In this hands-on role, you will oversee teams delivering utility projects across England and Wales. Essential qualifications include a relevant engineering degree, utility industry experience, and certifications like SMSTS. Competitive salary, performance bonus, and flexible benefits are offered, along with career development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company pension

Performance-related bonus scheme

Life assurance

Private medical care

Flexible benefits

Ongoing training and development

Qualifications

• Essential Engineering or technical qualification (degree, HNC or equivalent).
• Utility/water industry experience (site supervisor senior engineering role progression desirable).
• SMSTS and valid CSCS card.
• Membership of a recognised engineering institution (or working towards).
• Valid UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage engineering teams for utility projects.
• Plan, schedule and deliver projects safely, on time and within budget.
• Develop and implement engineering policies and standards.
• Monitor asset/system performance and identify operational improvements.

Skills

Utility/water industry experience

Team leadership

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

Engineering or technical qualification

Job description

Overview

Contracts Manager - Utilities (clean water bias). Lead and grow the engineering function for a newly formed Utilities Division for an exciting contractor, reporting to the Utilities Engineering Director. This hands‑on role combines team leadership, project delivery and regulatory oversight across water‑focused works across England & Wales, with a mix of remote, office and site‑based working.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage engineering teams, supervisors and site personnel delivering utility projects (water‑focused). Plan, schedule and deliver projects safely, to specification, on time and within budget. Oversee construction and maintenance activities, ensuring correct materials, workmanship and handover. Act as escalation point for complex technical, commercial and accreditation enquiries (WIRS, NERS, GIRS). Ensure regulatory and statutory compliance across projects; maintain and demonstrate required accreditations. Manage client, subcontractor and stakeholder relationships; represent the business at site meetings.
• Develop and implement engineering policies, procedures and standards for the division. Produce and manage project forecasts, budgets, programme updates and close‑out documentation. Carry out site auditing, site supervision reviews and deliver toolbox talks and safety briefings. Monitor asset/system performance and identify opportunities for operational improvement. Stay current with industry standards, technical specifications (e.g. CESWI, British Standards) and market developments. Contribute to building and developing the Engineering function, nurturing capability and promoting best practice.

Qualifications

• Essential Engineering or technical qualification (degree, HNC or equivalent).
• Utility/water industry experience (site supervisor senior engineering role progression desirable).
• SMSTS and valid CSCS card.
• Membership of a recognised engineering institution (or working towards).
• Valid UK driving licence.

Desirable Qualifications

• Water SHEA, NCO (W) and Hygiene cards.
• Knowledge of CESWI, WIMES and relevant British Standards.
• Proven experience with WIRS/NERS/GIRS processes and accreditations.
• Experience developing an engineering function and strong commercial/project management capability.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks across water, electricity and gas.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and company pension.
• Performance‑related bonus scheme.
• Life assurance and private medical care.
• Annual leave plus bank holidays and volunteering allowance.
• Flexible benefits options and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Company vehicle scheme or mileage allowance where required.
• Ongoing training, development and clear career progression opportunities.