Contract Manager

Waites Recruitment Consultancy are seeking an experienced construction contracts manager for a client on a full time basis, to work on projects for the north department.

Job Title: Contracts Manager – North

Reports to: National Contracts Manager

Direct Reports: Site Supervisors (North Region)

Location: Northern England (with regular travel across the region)

Job Purpose

As Contracts Manager – North, you will be responsible for the safe, efficient, and profitable delivery of all my clients contracts across the North region. You will lead and develop a team of Site Supervisors, ensuring exceptional standards of operational performance, health & safety, quality, and client satisfaction.

You will play a key role in promoting the company’s innovative infrared thermal asphalt repair technology and delivering sustainable, high-quality road repair solutions to major clients including Local Authorities, National Highways, and Tier 1 contractors.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and performance manage the team of Site Supervisors across the North region.

Ensure all contracts are delivered safely, on programme, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

Manage the commercial performance of Northern contracts, including cost control, variations, valuations, and accurate forecasting.

Maintain and develop strong relationships with clients and stakeholders in the region.

Monitor and drive regional KPIs including safety, productivity, quality, and profitability.

Oversee resource planning, plant utilisation, and labour efficiency for the region.

Ensure full compliance with company procedures, health & safety standards, and industry regulations (e.g., NHSS, SROH, PAS).

Support the mobilisation of new contracts and frameworks in the North.

Identify and implement operational improvements and best practice across sites.

Champion the company’s sustainability objectives and promote the environmental advantages of thermal repair technology.

Act as the main point of contact for Northern clients and escalate issues to the National Contracts Manager where necessary.

Support tendering and business development activities in the region as required.

Key Requirements

Experience:

Proven track record as a Contracts Manager, Operations Manager, or Senior Site Manager in highways maintenance, road repair, or civil engineering.

Experience managing teams of supervisors and multiple active sites simultaneously.

Strong commercial awareness and experience of managing profitable contracts.

Good understanding of road surfacing, asphalt repair, or similar works.

Skills & Attributes:

* Strong leadership and people management skills.

* Excellent organisational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.

* Commercial acumen with the ability to manage budgets and maximise margin.

* Confident client-facing and relationship-building skills.

* Full UK driving licence.

Desirable:

Experience with infrared/thermal asphalt repair techniques.

Knowledge of sustainable construction practices.

Formal health & safety qualification (NEBOSH or IOSH).

Experience working with Northern UK clients (e.g., local authorities in North West, North East, Yorkshire, etc.).

What We Offer

* Competitive salary + performance-related bonus

* Company car or car allowance

* Pension scheme

* 23 days holiday + bank holidays

* Career development opportunities within a rapidly growing, innovative company

* The chance to lead the delivery of sustainable road repair solutions in the North