Purpose of the role
We have a great opportunity for a Contracts Manager to join Colas Ltd, you will lead the safe and efficient delivery of winter and reactive works within the Local Roads Maintenance contract for Cheshire West & Chester, based at our Guilden Sutton depot, CH2 4EX. The role is responsible for ensuring that all activities are delivered in line with client expectations, contractual requirements, and operational performance targets. Acting as the primary interface with the client, the Contract Manager will maintain strong working relationships through regular communication, site engagement, and performance reviews. The role requires full accountability for operational delivery, health and safety compliance, and commercial performance, ensuring that works are delivered efficiently, safely, and within agreed budgets while promoting a culture of continuous improvement and high standards across all teams.
Main Responsibilities
The Contract Manager will provide strong and visible leadership across operational and site-based teams, driving a positive safety culture and ensuring adherence to all health, safety, environmental and quality standards. They will lead the planning and execution of reactive highway maintenance, urgent defect repairs, winter maintenance operations, and associated activities such as drainage, street lighting, minor civil engineering works, and structures maintenance. The role involves prioritising urgent works to meet contractual response times, ensuring winter service readiness and resilience, and coordinating resources effectively to maintain service continuity. The successful candidate will act as the main point of contact for the client, managing relationships through structured meetings, reporting, and ongoing communication to ensure expectations are met or exceeded. They will hold full responsibility for the commercial performance of the contract, including budget management, forecasting, cost value reconciliation, and maximising recovery through variations and additional works. Working closely with commercial and quantity surveying teams, they will ensure accurate financial control, risk management, and compliance with contractual processes. In addition, the Contract Manager will oversee labour, plant, materials, and subcontractors to ensure efficient utilisation of resources, while maintaining programmes and activity schedules aligned with operational capacity and client requirements. They will ensure all site activities comply with approved methods of working, risk assessments, CDM regulations, and company safety rules. The role also includes supporting and developing team members through coaching and performance management, maintaining accurate site records and reporting, and driving innovation and continuous improvement to enhance service delivery and value.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in highways maintenance and civil engineering, with in-depth knowledge of reactive maintenance, minor works, and severe weather operations. They will bring proven experience managing both direct labour organisations and subcontractors, ensuring efficient and effective delivery across all workstreams. A strong health and safety background is essential, alongside proven experience in managing profit and loss accounts and taking full responsibility for commercial performance. The successful candidate will also demonstrate proven experience in people performance management, with the ability to lead, develop, and motivate teams. They will have experience in works programming and scheduling, and be comfortable operating in a fast‑paced environment where priorities can change quickly. Knowledge of works ordering systems and data analysis is important, enabling effective decision‑making and performance monitoring in line with contract requirements. A relevant qualification in construction or civil engineering, a CSCS professional qualification, and a recognised safety qualification such as SMSTS or IOSH are expected, along with a full UK driving licence and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Package Description
- A salary between £60,000 and £65,000 (dependent on experience and qualifications) PLUS Company car / car allowance
- Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
- Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
- 25 days annual leave per year + Public Holidays
- Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
- Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
- Family‑Friendly Benefits, including Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
- Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
- Ongoing personal / professional development
- Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal
Colas Ltd is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
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