Contracts Manager

Joseph Gallagher Limited

Contracts Manager leading operational and commercial performance on civil engineering projects. Overseeing multiple projects and managing teams while ensuring safety and profitability standards.

Posted 5/19/2026full-timeOrsett • 🇬🇧 United KingdomMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own and oversee day-to-day delivery performance for assigned projects; ensure programme, resourcing, plant and logistics align with contractual commitments.
Commercially aware of project budgets, cashflow and profitability; contribute to cost forecasting, change control, variations and contributes to securing entitlements and timely settlements.
Be accountable for HSEQ performance across projects; enforce safe systems of work, ensure regulatory and client requirements are met and be an ambassador for “LIFE” safety culture.
Manage contractual obligations and notices (NEC/JCT/bespoke), maintain contract registers and ensure robust records for claims and accounts.
Line-manage Project Managers; set objectives, monitor performance, coach and develop the team; coordinate specialist subcontractors and site leadership.
Be the senior operational/commercial interface with clients, main contractors, designers and supply chain; optimise efficiency, resolve disputes and escalate appropriately.
Maintain and review project risk registers; implement mitigation actions and ensure accurate commercial treatment of changes.
Produce regular operational and commercial reports for the Contracts Director; manage invoicing, cash collection, month-end reconciliations and final account settlement.
Standardise best practice across projects, share lessons learned and support bids with delivery input.
Where assigned, adopt the role of bid director representing the business and pursuing strategic workload.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Proven experience (typically 5+ years) in operational/contracts management within civil engineering, ideally tunnelling, pipe jacking or trenchless works.
Demonstrable record of managing multiple projects and leading Project Managers.
Strong experience with UK contract forms (NEC preferred) and managing variations/claims.
Commercial competence: budgeting, forecasting, cost control and final accounts.
Practical site experience and understanding of heavy civils, plant, logistics and groundworks.
Pre-construction exposure and fully understands and can perform in the role of bid director.
Relevant qualifications: HND/degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Construction Management.
Chartered or professional membership desirable.
HSEQ qualifications desirable: NEBOSH General Certificate, SMSTS or equivalent.
Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel/overnight stays across region.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Regular regional travel
Occasional overnight stays required

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

contracts managementproject managementbudgetingforecastingcost controlfinal accountsrisk managementHSEQ performanceNEC contractscivil engineering

Soft Skills

leadershipcoachingcommunicationproblem-solvingnegotiationteam coordinationclient managementdispute resolutionobjective settingperformance monitoring

Certifications

HND in Construction Managementdegree in Civil EngineeringNEBOSH General CertificateSMSTSChartered membershipprofessional membershiprelevant qualifications