Contracts Manager

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager / Labour Supply Manager to lead delivery of a safety-critical labour provision on a large rail framework covering multiple routes in the Southern region. This operationally focused role owns mobilisation and steady-state supply of safety-critical staff into Tier-1 contractors and rail clients, balancing delivery, compliance, commercial performance and growth. The role is based from an office in North London with a regular presence at the rail hub (Central London) and flexibility for home working.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop delivery of safety-critical labour across a major rail framework, supplying skilled resources to Tier-1 contractors and rail clients.

• Own day-to-day account management, building strong relationships with clients, route stakeholders and co-suppliers.

• Manage end-to-end labour supply including demand forecasting, recruitment, onboarding, competence management, rostering and mobilisation for possessions and planned works.

• Ensure all safety-critical personnel meet competence, gating, RAMS and regulatory requirements at all times.

• Drive commercial performance, delivering agreed sales, margin and profitability targets while managing timesheet reconciliation, invoicing and contract variations.

• Lead, coach and develop the labour operations team (back-office and site-based), setting clear performance expectations and maintaining high standards.

• Implement and maintain effective systems for competence management, timesheets, rostering and performance reporting.

• Identify and support business growth opportunities across the framework and adjacent routes.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven experience in labour supply within rail civils or a closely related safety-critical environment.

• Experience managing framework contracts or large client accounts within a Tier-1 contractor setting.

• Strong commercial awareness with experience of P&L ownership, pricing and margin control.

• Demonstrable success recruiting, mobilising and retaining safety-critical rail operatives for possession-based work.

• Working knowledge of competence and gating requirements (e.g. PTS, COSS, signaller environments).

• Strong leadership, stakeholder management and communication skills.

• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, target-driven environment with flexibility for out-of-hours and possession work.

• Full UK driving licence desirable.

Benefits:

• Performance-related bonus

• Company car or car allowance

• Hybrid working (office, site and home)

• Clear progression opportunities, including potential to lead a wider safety-critical labour business

If you have proven safety-critical rail labour supply experience and can lead delivery on a large rail framework, please apply now.