Contracts Manager (Highways)

Caval Limited; Pontefract; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Caval Limited in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, is seeking an experienced Contract Manager to deliver multiple highways, civil engineering and infrastructure projects. You will lead Project Managers and site teams, ensuring safety, on-time delivery and value.

The role offers a 40-hour week, strong progression prospects, and a collaborative environment across Yorkshire, the North East and nationwide. Essential candidates hold SMSTS and a civil engineering qualification, plus a full UK driving

Qualifications

• Experience as Contract Manager or senior ops role in civil/infra projects.
• Knowledge of NEC contracts and commercial management.
• SMSTS certification is essential.
• Full UK Driving Licence required.
• HNC/HND in Civil Engineering or equivalent.
• NVQ Level 6 or 7 preferred.
• CSCS Manager Card essential.
• Experience with highways, drainage or infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee delivery of multiple contracts from planning to completion.
• Lead Project Managers and site teams to meet objectives.
• Monitor programmes, budgets, quality and compliance.
• Maintain strong client, supplier and stakeholder relationships.
• Ensure health and safety, environmental and quality standards are met.
• Review RAMS and construction-phase plans; manage risk.
• Support tender submissions and pre-construction activities.
• Drive continuous improvement across projects.
• Develop and mentor Project Managers and wider teams.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisation

Contract management

Project delivery

Education

HNC/HND in Civil Engineering

NVQ Level 6 or Level 7

CSCS Manager Card

Tools

MS Project

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Contract Manager

Location: Pontefract, West Yorkshire, with travel across Yorkshire, the North East and nationwide

Salary: £70,000 per annum + £6,000 car allowance

Role Highlights & Package:

• Competitive salary of £70,000 per annum
• £6,000 annual car allowance
• 40-hour working week
• Opportunity to manage a diverse portfolio of highways, civil engineering and infrastructure projects
• Career progression within a growing organisation
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Opportunity to lead major infrastructure projects across Yorkshire, the North East and nationwide

Role Overview:

We are looking for an experienced Contract Manager to take overall responsibility for the successful delivery of multiple highways, civil engineering, drainage and infrastructure projects.

You will lead and support Project Managers, Construction Managers and operational teams, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on programme, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

The successful candidate will be a confident operational leader with strong commercial awareness and experience managing client relationships, project teams, programmes and budgets. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys taking ownership, developing people and driving continuous improvement across a diverse portfolio of projects.

Key Requirements:

• Previous experience as a Contract Manager or in a senior operational/project management role
• Experience within civil engineering, drainage, highways or infrastructure
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills
• Experience managing multiple projects, programmes, budgets and operational teams
• Strong understanding of NEC contracts and commercial management principles
• Good understanding of health and safety legislation and industry best practice
• SMSTS certification - essential
• HNC/HND in Civil Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent qualification
• NVQ Level 6 or Level 7
• CSCS Manager Card
• Competent using Microsoft Office and project management software, including MS Project
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) qualification - desirable
• NRSWA accreditation - desirable
• Experience working on National Highways, high-speed road networks or local authority projects - desirable

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the successful delivery of multiple contracts from planning through to completion
• Lead and support Project Managers, Construction Managers and site teams to achieve project objectives
• Monitor programme performance, budgets, quality, resources and commercial outcomes
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers, subcontractors and key stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and quality standards
• Review and approve project documentation, including RAMS and Construction Phase Plans
• Manage project risks and implement effective mitigation strategies
• Oversee temporary works, quality assurance and compliance processes
• Support tender submissions, tender reviews, site inspections and pre-construction activities
• Provide technical and operational input into project planning and delivery
• Identify and resolve operational issues to keep projects on track
• Produce regular progress and performance reports for senior management
• Drive continuous improvement and promote best practice across projects
• Coach, mentor and develop Project Managers and wider operational teams
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on programme and within budget