Highways Contract Manager

UKund Control; Leeds; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the infrastructure sector is seeking a Highways Contract Manager to oversee the delivery of various projects across the UK. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in managing highways and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. You will provide strategic support to senior management and engage with stakeholders to foster collaboration and operational excellence.

Benefits

23 days holiday plus bank holidays

Yearly bonus scheme

Robust pension scheme

Free or subsidised national gym memberships

Employee Recognition Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing Highways, Infrastructure, or Rail projects.
• Strong understanding of project management principles.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.

Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Contract Manager in managing multiple infrastructure projects.
• Develop detailed project plans with clear scope, objectives, and deliverables.
• Ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Project Management

Financial Management

Education

Relevant industry qualifications (SMSTS, CSCS, NEBOSH, IOSH)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project Management Tools

Job description

Highways Contract Manager

Location: North

Salary: Competitive

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday

What you’ll do:

As a Contract Manager, your mission is to support the successful delivery of Highways, Arboriculture, Landscape, Ecology, and Civils projects—from initial tendering and planning through to execution and close-out. Working closely with the Contract Manager and wider project teams, you will ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and profitably, maintaining the highest quality and compliance standards.

Your leadership and expertise will be pivotal in driving operational excellence, fostering collaboration with clients, stakeholders, and supply chain partners, and ensuring that all works meet contractual, financial, and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Role Purpose:

The Contract Manager plays a critical role in the successful planning, execution, and management of infrastructure projects across National Highways Areas 10 & 12. Acting as a key point of contact between operational teams and senior leadership, you will provide strategic support to the Senior Contract Manager, ensuring project milestones, budgets, and safety measures are met.
What we’re looking for:

Project Delivery & Management

• Support the Senior Contract Manager in managing multiple infrastructure projects simultaneously.
• Conduct site surveys in collaboration with Business Development, Site Managers, and Supervisors.
• Develop detailed project plans, setting scope, objectives, and key deliverables.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
• Align projects with contractual and commercial requirements.
• Coordinate efforts across engineering, design, procurement, and construction teams.
• Identify risks, implement mitigation plans, and resolve project challenges proactively.

Commercial & Financial Accountability

• Support budget control, financial forecasting, and cost management for each project.
• Ensure accurate and timely application submissions to maintain strong cash flow.
• Identify opportunities for additional contract variations and revenue streams.
• Assist in monitoring Work in Progress (WIP) and overall project financial performance.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Act as a key liaison between internal teams, clients, and external partners.
• Provide regular project updates and reports to senior management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and supply chain partners.
• Handle client queries, concerns, and requests in a professional and solution-focused manner.

Health, Safety, Quality & Environmental (HSQE)

• Ensure all project activities comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Develop and review safety documentation (RAMS, CPP, ITP, EMP) to uphold HSQE standards.
• Champion a safety-first culture, ensuring all teams adhere to best practices and compliance.
• Conduct regular site visits and audits, addressing safety concerns proactively.

Operational Excellence & Process Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance project efficiency.
• Leverage digital tools and systems to streamline workflows and reporting.
• Lead lessons learned reviews, ensuring continuous improvement in project execution.
• Promote the adoption of industry best practices and innovative solutions.

People & Leadership Development

• Mentor and support junior team members, developing future project leaders.
• Assist in recruitment and resource planning for project teams.
• Foster a high-performance culture, ensuring team alignment with business objectives.
• Organize structured team meetings, providing clear direction and feedback.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven experience in managing Highways, Infrastructure, or Rail projects.
• Strong understanding of project management principles, contract administration, and commercial controls.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong competency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, SharePoint), project management tools, and digital systems.
• Experience in risk management, contract negotiation, and procurement processes.
• Relevant industry qualifications: SMSTS, CSCS, NEBOSH, IOSH (preferred, and will need to work towards).

Why join us:

Career Development Focus:We’re committed to supporting your professional growth with clear career paths, training, and tailored development programs, including our GC Leadership Academy, job specific accreditations and higher education opportunities.

Exciting Growth Opportunities:Be part of a rapidly growing company with a dynamic team and expanding client base.

Collaborative Environment:Work in a supportive, engaging, and innovative culture where your contributions are valued.

Competitive Package:Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, along with flexible working options, including:

23 days holiday, Increasing with length of service + bank holidays

Yearly bonus scheme & Share options

Robust pension scheme

Medigold employee support, Free Flu Jabs, Online private GP Service

Free or subsidised national gym memberships

Employee Recognition Scheme

2 personal choice volunteering days

Ground Control

Ground Control is a UK-based grounds maintenance company powered by the latest technology. Since launching in 1973, Ground Control has grown rapidly and now provides full national coverage for our customers across the UK and Ireland.

We deliver a range of services, including grounds maintenance, winter gritting, landscape construction, design, arboriculture, electric vehicle charging point installation to more than 50,000 commercial properties across the UK.

If you are looking to invest in your future with a business that puts people at the centre of everything, click the apply now button below to speak to a member of our team.

#INDHP

Equal Opportunities Statement

At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate based on age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and beyond.

#Contracts #Highways