Contracts Manager

Ipsum Utilities Limited; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable utility company in the UK is seeking a Contracts Manager to oversee the delivery of ENWL overhead line works. The role involves ensuring high standards of safety and compliance while managing client relationships and financial performance. Ideal candidates will have strong operational experience in the electricity distribution sector and excellent multitasking abilities. Required qualifications include NVQ Level 2 in English and Maths, City & Guilds Level 3 Electrical Installations, and ideally a NEBOSH qualification.

Benefits

25 annual leave plus bank holidays

Group Personal Pension Plan

Career development and progression opportunities

24/7 access to a virtual GP

Cycle to Work scheme

Life assurance cover

Paid volunteering opportunities

Qualifications

• Solid operational experience in electricity distribution is required.
• Hands-on knowledge of overhead and underground circuits necessary.
• Familiarity with NRSWA legislation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of ENWL overhead line works ensuring compliance.
• Act as the main client contact for project coordination.
• Manage subcontractors and suppliers effectively.

Skills

Operational experience within electricity distribution

Knowledge of overhead and underground circuits

Health and safety awareness

Risk-control knowledge

Communication skills

Multitasking

Client relationship management

Education

NVQ Level 2 in English and Maths (or equivalent)

City & Guilds Level 3 Electrical Installations (or equivalent)

NEBOSH General qualification (ideal)

Job description

Contracts Manager – North West

What’s in it for you…

• 25 annual leave plus bank holidays with the option to buy more
• Group Personal Pension Plan
• Career development & progression with the opportunity to earn professional qualifications
• 24/7 access to a virtual GP and Mental health support & counselling services
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Discount club - supermarkets, phone bills, gyms & more!
• Life assurance cover
• Long service recognition
• Active local social committees
• Regular social events
• Paid volunteering opportunities in your community

About the role…

As a Contract Manager you will lead the delivery of ENWL overhead line works, setting high standards to ensure safe, efficient and compliant project delivery. You’ll provide strong safety, quality, commercial and engineering leadership, acting as the main client contact and taking ownership of financial performance, customer satisfaction and contract renewals. You will work closely with planning and operations teams to maintain clear communication, coordinate resources and manage subcontractors and suppliers in line with the Ipsum Way and Values. With responsibility for effective scheduling, you will proactively identify issues, implement controls and keep clients informed to ensure smooth and successful delivery.

As a Contracts Manager you will…

• Deliver contracts efficiently, ensuring strong client satisfaction and commercial performance.
• Lead contract renewal strategy and pricing with project teams.
• Act as the main client contact, coordinating with Operations, Projects, Finance and Commercial.
• Ensure works are delivered professionally, safely and in line with client requirements.
• Schedule works effectively with Planning and Projects, ensuring timely reporting.
• Manage subcontractors and suppliers to meet Ipsum standards.
• Define and manage scope, resources and requirements in line with client expectations.
• Meet client SLA targets while balancing operational cost and efficiency.
• Monitor resource levels, identify labour gaps and work with Operations to resolve.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, commercial and contractual obligations.
• Attend client and internal meetings to support satisfaction, performance and growth.
• Track productivity and resource utilisation, addressing issues with Operations.
• Promote Ipsum’s values and champion Health & Safety.

Contract Manager Work Scope:

• Serve as the single client point of contact and manage communication.
• Monitor progress, address issues and escalate risks as needed.
• Analyse hours worked, resolve discrepancies and develop action plans.
• Ensure correct allocation of labour, equipment and resources.
• Oversee purchase orders within delegated authority.
• Maintain accurate plans, documentation and reporting.
• Manage cost uplifts or cancellations and secure PO cover.
• Coordinate with teams to ensure continuity of information across works.

Closing Down Accountabilities:

• Report on underutilisation and analyse causes of non‑productive time.
• Process completed jobs for invoicing or re‑scheduling.
• Provide accurate AFP information and support timely submissions and issue resolution.

About you…

You bring solid operational experience within electricity distribution, with hands‑on knowledge of overhead and underground circuits and a strong understanding of how DNOs operate, including commercial considerations and operational risk. You have worked within utilities—ideally the power sector—and be confident managing complex workstreams, subcontractors and supply chain partners from safety, compliance and commercial perspectives. With excellent health and safety awareness, effective risk‑control knowledge and familiarity with NRSWA legislation, you are skilled at building strong working relationships and supporting clients professionally.

You are comfortable multitasking, prioritising workloads and delivering in a multi‑divisional, commercial environment. Holding NVQ Level 2 in English and Maths (or equivalent), City & Guilds Level 3 Electrical Installations (or equivalent), and ideally a NEBOSH General qualification, you bring the technical capability and operational expertise needed to thrive in this role.

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Next steps...

If you’re interested in this opportunity, please apply or reach out to Talent Team for more info!