Overview

Contracts Manager — Utilities (clean water bias). Lead and grow the engineering function for a newly formed Utilities Division for an exciting contractor, reporting to the Utilities Engineering Director. This hands-on role combines team leadership, project delivery and regulatory oversight across water-focused works across England & Wales, with a mix of remote, office and site-based working.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and manage engineering teams, supervisors and site personnel delivering utility projects (water-focused).

• Plan, schedule and deliver projects safely, to specification, on time and within budget.

• Oversee construction and maintenance activities, ensuring correct materials, workmanship and handover.

• Act as escalation point for complex technical, commercial and accreditation enquiries (WIRS, NERS, GIRS).

• Ensure regulatory and statutory compliance across projects; maintain and demonstrate required accreditations.

• Manage client, subcontractor and stakeholder relationships; represent the business at site meetings.

• Develop and implement engineering policies, procedures and standards for the division.

• Produce and manage project forecasts, budgets, programme updates and close-out documentation.

• Carry out site auditing, site supervision reviews and deliver toolbox talks and safety briefings.

• Monitor asset/system performance and identify opportunities for operational improvement.

• Stay current with industry standards, technical specifications (e.g. CESWI, British Standards) and market developments.

• Contribute to building and developing the Engineering function, nurturing capability and promoting best practice.

Qualifications:

Essential

• Engineering or technical qualification (degree, HNC or equivalent).

• Utility/water industry experience (site supervisor → senior engineering role progression desirable).

• SMSTS and valid CSCS card.

• Membership of a recognised engineering institution (or working towards).

• Full, valid UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Water SHEA, NCO (W) and Hygiene cards.

• Knowledge of CESWI, WIMES and relevant British Standards.

• Proven experience with WIRS/NERS/GIRS processes and accreditations.

• Experience developing an engineering function and strong commercial/project management capability.

• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks across water, electricity and gas.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and company pension.

• Performance-related bonus scheme.

• Life assurance and private medical care.

• Annual leave plus bank holidays and volunteering allowance.

• Flexible benefits options and Employee Assistance Programme.

• Company vehicle scheme or mileage allowance where required.

• Ongoing training, development and clear career progression opportunities.

Drive the delivery and growth of a new Utilities Division - if you’re a proactive, technically strong contracts/engineering manager with a proven water background, we want to hear from you. Apply now.