Contracts Manager

Linear Recruitment Ltd; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utilities contractor in the UK seeks a Contracts Manager to lead the newly formed Utilities Division. Focusing on clean water projects, you will oversee engineering teams ensuring compliance and project delivery across England and Wales. Ideal candidates will possess a strong engineering background, relevant qualifications, and experience in the utility sector. The role offers competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for career progression.

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

Ongoing training and development

Qualifications

• Experience in the utility or water industry is essential.
• Valid SMSTS and CSCS card are required.
• Track record in developing engineering functions and managing projects is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage engineering teams on utility projects.
• Ensure projects meet specifications, timelines, and budgets.
• Oversee construction activities for compliance and quality.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Operational improvement

Education

Engineering or technical qualification

Membership of a recognised engineering institution

Full, valid UK driving licence

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).
• Full, valid UK driving licence.

Qualifications (Desirable)

• 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.

Drive the delivery and growth of a new Utilities Division – if you’re a proactive, technically strong contracts / engineering manager with a proven water background, we want to hear from you. Apply now