Contracts Manager

JN Bentley; Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Training & development

Career progression

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Mott MacDonald Bentley is seeking a Contracts Manager to lead a portfolio of design‑and‑build projects across wastewater, flood defence and nature‑based solutions in the North West. You will own project delivery from development through handover, guiding multidisciplinary teams to safety, quality and on‑time performance.

This employee‑owned organisation offers a competitive salary, comprehensive training, clear career progression and flexible benefits as part of a long‑term programme of work.

Qualifications

• CSCS card and SSSTS or SMSTS qualification.
• HNC, HND or Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Proven experience managing multiple civil engineering or infrastructure projects within a design and build environment.
• Strong understanding of civil engineering principles, construction techniques and project delivery processes.
• Working knowledge of NEC3 and/or NEC4 forms of contract.

Responsibilities

• Drive and embed the culture, values and standards across a portfolio of projects.
• Provide leadership, support and direction to project teams, creating a high‑performing and collaborative working environment.
• Lead the delivery of multiple detailed design and build projects from development through to commissioning and hand‑over.
• Influence design development and construction methodologies to ensure projects are safe, buildable, efficient and delivered right first time.
• Oversee project performance, ensuring delivery against programme, budget, quality and client expectations.
• Manage and support Site Managers and wider delivery teams to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Promote continuous improvement and drive compliance with company procedures, governance and best practice.
• Develop talent within the team through coaching, mentoring and performance management.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, designers, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Hold overall responsibility for commercial performance, risk management and programme delivery across your portfolio.
• Ensure health, safety, environmental and quality standards remain at the forefront of project delivery.

Skills

CSCS card

SSSTS or SMSTS

Civil engineering degree

Project management experience

NEC3/NEC4 knowledge

Driving licence

Leadership skills

Commercial awareness

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Education

HNC, HND or Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or related discipline

Job description

Mott MacDonald Bentley is a fully integrated design and build business, combining the design expertise of Mott MacDonald with the contracting experience of JN Bentley. Operating across the water, energy and environment sectors throughout the UK, we deliver innovative infrastructure solutions from concept through to commissioning. With an annual turnover exceeding £600 million, we have established ourselves as a leader within the industry. Our sustained growth and strong business performance create an exciting environment for ambitious professionals seeking to develop and progress their careers.

We have recently been named a partner on United Utilities’ AMP8 framework, extending our long‑standing relationship for at least the next five years. This partnership will be responsible for delivering over £3 billion of major infrastructure investment across the North West of England. The programme consists of detailed design and build projects ranging in value up to £15 million, allocated based on project suitability, capability, availability, technical expertise and value. Investment includes upgrades to wastewater treatment works and the delivery of the UK’s largest storm overflow reduction programme, helping to protect more than 500 km of rivers and bathing waters.

The role

As a Contracts Manager, you will lead a portfolio of projects that improve communities and protect the environment, from wastewater and flood defence schemes to nature‑based solutions that enhance biodiversity. This is a key leadership role within our growing North West business, where you will take ownership of multiple projects throughout the detailed design and build life‑cycle. Working closely with operational, commercial and design teams, you will ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, profitably and to the highest standards of quality and client satisfaction. Our Contracts Managers are inspirational leaders and skilled communicators who combine technical expertise with strong commercial and programme management capabilities. They play a pivotal role in shaping project outcomes from inception through to successful hand‑over.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive and embed the culture, values and standards across a portfolio of projects.
• Provide leadership, support and direction to project teams, creating a high‑performing and collaborative working environment.
• Lead the delivery of multiple detailed design and build projects from development through to commissioning and hand‑over.
• Influence design development and construction methodologies to ensure projects are safe, buildable, efficient and delivered right first time.
• Oversee project performance, ensuring delivery against programme, budget, quality and client expectations.
• Manage and support Site Managers and wider delivery teams to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Promote continuous improvement and drive compliance with company procedures, governance and best practice.
• Develop talent within the team through coaching, mentoring and performance management.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, designers, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Hold overall responsibility for commercial performance, risk management and programme delivery across your portfolio.
• Ensure health, safety, environmental and quality standards remain at the forefront of project delivery.

What We're Looking For

• CSCS card and SSSTS or SMSTS qualification.
• HNC, HND or Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Proven experience managing multiple civil engineering or infrastructure projects within a design and build environment.
• Strong understanding of civil engineering principles, construction techniques and project delivery processes.
• Working knowledge of NEC3 and/or NEC4 forms of contract.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across projects within the North West region.
• Excellent leadership, organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and risk management capability.
• Ability to effectively manage multidisciplinary teams throughout the detailed design and build process.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Why join us?

Join one of the UK’s leading integrated design and build organisations and take your career to the next level. You’ll play a key role in delivering projects that create lasting environmental and community impact, while building your expertise through a secure, long‑term programme of work. As an employee‑owned business, your success is our success. As you grow and develop your career, you’ll share in the value you help create, ensuring your contribution is recognised and rewarded for the long term. We are committed to helping our people thrive, offering an attractive benefits package that includes:

• A highly competitive salary and rewards package.
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities.
• Clear, tailored career progression pathways.
• Flexible benefits to support your financial, lifestyle, health and wellbeing needs.