Contracts Manager

Midhurst, Sussex
Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd
Danny Sullivan Group is currently looking for a Contracts Manager for a role with a civil engineering contractor working on mains replacement work in the Hampshire and West Sussex areas as part of Southern Water AMP8 framework.

They are looking for a candidate with strong civil engineering and ideally pipework/mains replacement experience. Long term work on Southern Water framework.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Delivery: Manage day-to-day operations across multiple mains replacement sites, ensuring smooth coordination of labour, plant, and materials.
• Contract Management: Interpret and manage NEC or equivalent contracts, ensuring compliance with terms, timely notifications, and effective management of change events.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact with Southern Water, ensuring clear communication and strong working relationships with client representatives and internal teams.
• Commercial Oversight: Monitor budgets, approve subcontractor payments, support monthly valuations and reporting in collaboration with the commercial team.
• Programme Management: Ensure projects are planned and delivered in accordance with programme timelines, proactively addressing delays or resource issues.
• Quality & Compliance: Oversee adherence to health, safety, environmental and quality standards, in line with CDM regulations and client requirements.
• Team Leadership: Manage site and project managers, engineers, and supervisors, providing support, mentoring, and performance oversight.
• Risk & Issue Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate commercial and operational risks, escalating critical issues where necessary.

Experience/Qualifications:
Essential:

• Proven experience as a Contracts Manager or Senior Project Manager in a civil engineering or utility infrastructure environment.
• Experience managing clean water mains replacement or rehabilitation projects.
• Strong knowledge of NEC (or similar) forms of contract.
• Familiarity with Southern Water or similar water utility operations and standards.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently across a geographic area.
• Strong leadership, commercial acumen, and communication skills.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the region.

Desirable:

• Degree/HNC/HND in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• SMSTS, NRSWA Supervisor, Confined Space, or other relevant industry certifications.
• Experience working within a framework agreement or AMP programme (Asset Management Periods).

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Company car or car allowance
• Private healthcare and pension scheme
• Annual bonus scheme
• Flexible working where possible
• Opportunities for career development and training