National Contracts Manager
Waites Recruitment Consultancy are seeking a nation contracts manager with experience, for a client on a full time basis, who wants to over see the contracts side in the North Region.
Job Title: National Contracts Manager
Reports to: Head of Operations
Direct Reports: Regional Contract Managers (North, Midlands, South & Scotland)
Location: UK (Hybrid – Crewe/Manchester base preferred)
Job Purpose
As National Contracts Manager, you will play a pivotal leadership role in driving the successful delivery of my clients contracts across the UK. You will provide strategic oversight and operational leadership to the four regional Contract Managers, ensuring consistent high standards of performance, safety, quality, and commercial delivery.
You will be instrumental in maximising operational efficiency, client satisfaction, and profitability while championing the company’s innovative, sustainable thermal asphalt repair solutions across major highways, local authority, and infrastructure contracts.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strong leadership, coaching, and performance management to the four Regional Contract Managers (North, Midlands, South & Scotland).
Ensure all regional contracts are delivered safely, on time, to budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Oversee commercial performance across the UK contract portfolio, including invoices and applications, profitability, cost control, variations, and forecasting.
Work closely with the Head of Operations to develop and implement national operational strategies, processes, and best practices.
Act as a key point of escalation for major client relationships and contract issues.
Drive continuous improvement in operational delivery, resource utilisation, and health & safety performance.
Monitor and report on national KPIs, contract performance, and risk across all regions.
Support tendering and contract mobilisation activities, working collaboratively with the commercial and bidding teams.
Champion the company’s sustainability goals and promote the environmental benefits of thermal repair technology to clients and stakeholders.
Ensure full compliance with industry standards (e.g., RSTA, SROH, ISO, CHAS, etc.) and company policies.
Identify opportunities for operational innovation, efficiency gains, and cross-regional collaboration.
Key Requirements
Experience:
Proven experience in a senior contracts or operations management role within highways maintenance, civil engineering, or asphalt/road repair sectors.
Significant experience managing multi-regional teams and large-scale contracts.
Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering profitable contracts.
Background in managing client relationships at senior level (Local Authorities, National Highways, Tier 1 contractors, etc.).
Skills & Attributes:
* Outstanding leadership and people management skills.
* Excellent commercial, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
* Strong communication and influencing skills.
* Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growing company environment.
* Full UK driving licence.
Desirable:
* Knowledge of sustainable/innovative road repair technologies.
* Experience with infrared/thermal asphalt repair processes.
* Formal health & safety qualification (NEBOSH or equivalent).
What We Offer
* Competitive salary + performance bonus
* Company car or car allowance
* Pension scheme
* 23 days holiday + bank holidays
* Opportunity to play a key role in a forward-thinking, environmentally focused company at the forefront of sustainable road repair technology