Contracts Manager - Groundworks & Civil Engineering

McDermott Building & Civil Eng Ltd; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

McDermott Building & Civil Eng Ltd is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to lead groundworks, civil engineering and infrastructure projects from award through to completion. Based in Nottingham with coverage across the East, you will oversee programme management, commercial controls, safety and client relationships, ensuring profitability and compliance with NEC/JCT contracts.

Strong leadership and coordination of site teams, risk management and collaboration with QS and subcontractors are

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience as a Contracts Manager within groundworks, civil engineering or infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of NEC and JCT contracts.
• Proven experience managing multiple projects valued between GBP1 million and GBP15 million or more.
• Excellent commercial awareness and cost control skills.
• Strong leadership and people management abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple groundworks and civil engineering projects from award to handover.
• Review contract documentation and ensure contractual compliance.
• Manage project costs, valuations, variations and final accounts.
• Promote high health and safety standards on all sites.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, consultants and authorities.
• Coordinate site teams and resources to maximise productivity.
• Ensure works meet quality standards and project documentation is up to date.
• Track KPIs: profitability, programmes, safety, client satisfaction.

Skills

Contracts management

Groundworks experience

Civil engineering

Leadership

Communication

Job description

Contracts Manager Groundworks & Civil Engineering

Location: Nottingham and surrounding areas (covering the East)
Job Type: Full-time / Contract
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 am 5:00 pm

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to join a growing team specialising in groundworks, civil engineering and infrastructure projects.

The successful candidate will oversee multiple projects from contract award through to completion and final account settlement, ensuring works are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.

This role requires strong commercial awareness, excellent leadership skills and the ability to manage client relationships while maximising project performance and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Contract & Project Management

• Manage multiple groundworks and civil engineering projects simultaneously.

• Oversee projects from pre-start through to completion and handover.

• Review contract documentation and ensure contractual compliance.

• Monitor programmes, milestones, risks and project performance.

Commercial Management

• Work closely with Quantity Surveyors to manage costs and profitability.

• Review valuations, applications, variations and final accounts.

• Monitor budgets, forecasts and cost reports.

• Identify additional revenue opportunities and cost savings.

• Manage subcontractor performance and contractual obligations.

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Promote high health and safety standards across all projects.

• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and company policies.

• Review RAMS and construction phase documentation.

• Carry out regular site inspections and safety audits.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers and local authorities.

• Attend client meetings and resolve contractual or operational issues.

• Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and encourage repeat business.

Resource & Site Management

• Coordinate Site Managers, Engineers and subcontractors.

• Manage labour, plant, materials and equipment allocation.

• Monitor productivity and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Support the development of site-based teams.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure works meet project specifications and quality standards.

• Review inspection and test plans.

• Monitor project documentation and quality records.

• Ensure defects are identified and resolved promptly.

Key Performance Indicators

• Project profitability and commercial performance.

• Delivery against project programmes and deadlines.

• Health and safety performance.

• Client satisfaction and retention.

• Quality standards and defect management.

• Successful recovery of variations and final accounts.

• Efficient use of labour, plant and resources.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience as a Contracts Manager within groundworks, civil engineering or infrastructure.

• Strong understanding of NEC and JCT contracts.

• Proven experience managing multiple projects valued between GBP1 million and GBP15 million or more.

• Excellent commercial awareness and cost control skills.

• Strong leadership and people management abilities.

• Excellent communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver results within agreed budgets and timescales.