Contract Manager

Nottingham, UK McDermott Building & Civil Eng Ltd

We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to join our dynamic team, specialising in groundworks and infrastructure projects. The Contract Manager is responsible for the successful delivery of multiple groundwork and civil engineering projects from contract award through to final account settlement. The role ensures projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards while maintaining strong client relationships and maximizing commercial performance.

Job type: Contract, Full time

Working hours: 07:30 – 17:00 (Monday to Friday)

Site location: Nottingham area to cover the East

Key responsibilities

Contract & Project Management

Manage multiple groundwork and civil engineering contracts simultaneously.

Review contract documentation and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.

Oversee project delivery from pre-start through to completion and handover.

Monitor project programmes and ensure milestones are achieved.

Identify and mitigate project risks and implement corrective actions where necessary.

Ensure all projects comply with client specifications, company procedures, and industry standards.

Commercial Management

Work closely with Quantity Surveyors to monitor project costs and profitability.

Review applications, valuations, variations, and final accounts.

Ensure opportunities for additional revenue and recovery of costs are identified and captured.

Monitor budgets, forecasts, and cost reports.

Manage subcontractor performance and contractual obligations.

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

Promote a strong health and safety culture across all projects.

Ensure compliance with company Health & Safety policies and relevant legislation.

Review RAMS, site-specific safety plans, and construction phase documentation.

Conduct regular site inspections and audits.

Support investigations into accidents, incidents, and near misses.

Client & Stakeholder Management

Develop and maintain strong working relationships with clients, consultants, local authorities, and suppliers.

Attend client meetings and represent the company professionally.

Resolve contractual and operational issues quickly and effectively.

Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and repeat business opportunities.

Resource & Site Management

Coordinate Site Managers, Engineers, and subcontractors.

Ensure labour, plant, materials, and equipment are effectively allocated.

Monitor productivity and implement improvements where required.

Support recruitment and development of site-based personnel.

Quality Assurance

Ensure works are completed in accordance with specifications and quality standards.

Review inspection and test plans.

Oversee project documentation and records management.

Ensure defects are identified and rectified promptly.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Project profitability and margin achievement.

Programme delivery and completion dates.

Health & Safety performance.

Client satisfaction and retention.

Quality and defect management.

Recovery of variations and final account settlements.

Efficient utilisation of labour and plant resources.

Essential requirements

Minimum 5 years' experience in a Contract Manager role within groundworks, civil engineering, or infrastructure.

Strong understanding of NEC and JCT contracts.

Proven experience managing multiple projects valued between £1m and £15m+.

Excellent commercial awareness and cost control skills.

Strong leadership and people management abilities.

Effective negotiation and communication skills.