Framework Manager

Lanes Group PLC; Bodelwyddan; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days leave + holidays

Pension scheme

Life Assurance

Company vehicle/allowance

Development & training

Career progression

Employee assistance programme

Free onsite parking

Full PPE provided

Job summary

Sapphire Utility Solutions is seeking a Framework Manager to lead the Welsh Water framework, coordinating regional operations, safety, and performance. You will guide depot management, drive improvements, and manage client relationships to deliver contractual commitments.

You'll shape strategy, oversee budgets and growth, and foster a culture of safety and excellence across multi-site teams. This leadership role offers the chance to influence critical infrastructure delivery in Wales.

Qualifications

• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Experience in a senior operational, framework, or contract management role.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with experience managing budgets and P&L responsibility.
• Experience managing client relationships within a contractual environment.
• Demonstrable leadership experience across multi-site operations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, environmental, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to drive performance, manage change, and deliver business objectives.
• Experience within utilities, water, wastewater, civil engineering, or infrastructure sectors (desirable).
• Knowledge of Welsh Water frameworks and regulatory requirements (desirable).
• Relevant management or operational qualifications (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of contractual and operational commitments across the Welsh Water framework.
• Provide leadership to regional operational and depot management teams.
• Foster a positive safety culture and ensure works meet HSE and quality standards.
• Maintain accountability for regional performance and profitability.
• Ensure compliance with contractual, statutory, and company requirements.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Welsh Water and stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for service improvement, efficiency and growth.
• Monitor budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes and delivery methods.
• Conduct regular site visits for safety and customer satisfaction.
• Lead performance reviews, resource planning, and workforce development.
• Support business development and future contract growth.

Skills

Operational leadership

Budget management

P&L management

Stakeholder management

Health & safety compliance

Contract management

Multi-site leadership

Communication & negotiation

Strategic planning

UK driving licence

Education

Management qualifications

Job description

Framework Manager

About Sapphire Utility Solutions

Sapphire Utility Solutions (SUS) is a leading provider of utility infrastructure, repair, and maintenance services across the UK water sector. Working in partnership with some of the country's largest water companies, we deliver innovative, efficient, and safe solutions that help maintain and improve critical infrastructure for millions of customers.

As part of our continued growth and commitment to excellence, we are seeking an experienced Framework Manager to lead and develop our Welsh Water operations, ensuring exceptional service delivery, strong client relationships, and sustainable business growth.

The Role

This is a key leadership position within the business, responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of our Welsh Water framework. You'll lead operational teams across the region, drive performance, and ensure all activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in line with contractual requirements.

Working closely with internal stakeholders and the client, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping strategy, improving performance, identifying opportunities for growth, and maintaining Sapphire Utility Solutions' reputation for operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of all contractual and operational commitments across the Welsh Water framework.
• Provide strong leadership, direction, and support to regional operational and depot management teams.
• Foster a positive safety culture and ensure all works are delivered in accordance with company and client health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Maintain accountability for regional operational performance and profitability.
• Ensure compliance with all contractual, statutory, and company requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with Welsh Water and key stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for service improvement, innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth.
• Monitor and manage framework budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across operational processes and delivery methods.
• Conduct regular site visits to ensure operational excellence, safety compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead performance reviews, resource planning, and workforce development activities.
• Support business development opportunities and contribute to future contract growth.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will possess a strong operational leadership background with experience managing large-scale service delivery contracts.

Requirements

• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Proven experience in a senior operational, framework, or contract management role.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with experience managing budgets and P&L responsibility.
• Experience managing client relationships within a contractual environment.
• Demonstrable leadership experience across multi-site operations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, environmental, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to drive performance, manage change, and deliver business objectives.

Desirable

• Experience within the utilities, water, wastewater, civil engineering, or infrastructure sectors.
• Knowledge of Welsh Water frameworks and regulatory requirements.
• Relevant management or operational qualifications.

What We Offer

At Sapphire Utility Solutions, our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to providing an environment where employees can develop, succeed, and make a meaningful contribution to the future of the business.

Benefits

• 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Company pension scheme.
• Life Assurance.
• Company vehicle or car allowance (if applicable).
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• Career progression opportunities within a growing organisation.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Free onsite parking.
• Full PPE provided.

Why Join Sapphire Utility Solutions?

This is an opportunity to join a growing and ambitious business delivering essential services within the UK's critical infrastructure sector. You'll have the autonomy to influence operational performance, build strong client partnerships, and play a significant role in the future success of our Welsh Water framework.

Sapphire Utility Solutions is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds and communities.