Contracts Manager

Naughton Contracts Limited; North East; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Naughton Contracts Limited (NCL) is seeking a Contracts Manager to own the safe, successful delivery of a major data centre project in Cambois, Northumberland. The role is site-based with travel as required and will link commercial, estimating, and site teams to ensure programme, budget, and quality targets are met.

You’ll lead groundworks, earthworks, and basement works, manage subcontractors, and drive value through proactive cost control while maintaining high safety standards and client

Qualifications

• Degree or HNC/HND in Civil Engineering or Construction Management.
• SMSTS certification required.
• CSCS Black (Manager) card required.
• Full UK driving licence required.
• Membership of CIOB/ICE desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for the delivery of the Cambois project from handover through to practical completion and final account.
• Manage site teams, subcontractors and suppliers to ensure safe, efficient delivery of groundworks, earthworks, basements and civil works.
• Monitor programme, identify risks and delays early, and implement corrective actions to keep the project on track.
• Oversee project budgets and costs, working with commercial team to protect margins and identify value engineering opportunities.
• Ensure full health & safety compliance, CDM regulations, and Naughton’s safety standards on site.
• Build and maintain strong client, designer and principal contractor relationships; lead progress meetings and report to senior management.
• Mentor and develop site managers and junior staff within the project team.

Skills

Leadership

Cost control

Planning/organising

Communication

Problem solving

Team management

Education

Civil Engineering/Construction Management degree or HNC/HND

SMSTS

CSCS Black (Manager) card

CIOB/ICE membership desirable

Full UK driving licence

Job description

Naughton Contracts Limited (NCL)

Contracts Manager

Location: Cambois, Northumberland

Naughton Contracts Ltd is a young, ambitious civil engineering company delivering groundworks, earthworks, basements, site set-up and enabling, and civil engineering solutions across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, including major data centre developments. We're looking for a Contracts Manager to take ownership of the safe, successful, and profitable delivery of a significant data centre project in Cambois, Northumberland, from award through to completion.

About the Role

As Contracts Manager, you'll be responsible for the overall management and delivery of the Cambois project, ensuring works are delivered safely, on programme, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. You'll act as the key link between the commercial, estimating, and site teams, and be the primary point of contact for the client throughout the project lifecycle. The role is site based in Cambois, Northumberland, with travel as required.

Key Responsibilities

Take full responsibility for the delivery of the project, from handover through to practical completion and final account. Manage site teams, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery of groundworks, earthworks, basements, and civil engineering works. Monitor the project programme, identify risks and delays early, and implement corrective actions to keep the project on track. Oversee project budgets and costs, working closely with the commercial team to protect margins and identify value engineering opportunities. Ensure full compliance with health & safety legislation, CDM regulations, and Naughton's safety standards across the site. Build and maintain strong relationships with the client, designers, and principal contractors, representing Naughton professionally at all times. Review and manage subcontractor packages, including procurement, performance, and account close-out. Attend and lead regular progress meetings, providing clear reporting on programme, cost, and quality to senior management and the client. Support the estimating and pre-construction teams with buildability input and lessons learned from the live project. Mentor and develop site managers and junior staff within the project team.

Experience

Proven experience as a Contracts Manager, Senior Site Manager, or equivalent within civil engineering, concrete works, or groundworks projects. Familiarity with data centre projects, including an understanding of the specific quality, tolerance, and programme demands of the sector. Track record of successfully delivering projects across residential, commercial, or infrastructure sectors, ideally including RC frame and/or basement works. Experience managing a live, demanding project and team.

Knowledge

Strong understanding of civil engineering, groundworks, and RC frame construction methods, sequencing, and programming. Familiarity with construction contracts (e.g. JCT, NEC) and their commercial and contractual implications. Sound knowledge of CDM Regulations and UK health & safety legislation as it applies to project delivery. Awareness of current market conditions, labour, plant, and materials availability.

Qualifications

Degree or HNC/HND in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience). SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) certification required. CSCS Black (Manager) card required. Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIOB, ICE) is desirable but not essential. Full UK driving licence required.

Skills

Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate site teams and hold subcontractors to account. Commercially astute, with a solid understanding of cost control, valuations, and margin protection. Excellent organisational skills, able to manage competing deadlines and shifting priorities on a live, demanding site. Clear, confident communicator, comfortable presenting to clients and senior stakeholders. Proactive, hands-on problem solver who is comfortable both in the office and on site.

Why Work for Us

Join a young, ambitious, and fast-growing civil engineering company delivering complex projects across the UK and Europe. Be part of a business known for hitting deadlines, staying on budget, and delivering to the highest industry standards. Work on an exciting, high-profile data centre project as part of our growing portfolio in this sector. A professional, hands-on team environment where your contribution is valued and your development supported. Genuine opportunity to grow with the company as it establishes itself as a leading player in the industry.

Naughton Contracts is an Equal Opportunities employer and does not discriminate against any protected characteristic.