Contracts Manager – Ground Investigation📍 Durham (North East UK) | Occasional Travel Required

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to oversee the delivery of ground investigation projects across our North East regional office based in Durham.Reporting directly to the UK Contracts Director, you will be responsible for managing the full lifecycle of multiple contracts, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget while maintaining the highest technical and operational standards.This is a senior leadership role involving project delivery, team leadership, financial oversight, health & safety compliance, and business development. You will work closely with directors, project managers, engineers, and clients to ensure successful contract delivery and continued growth of the regional business.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Contract Management Oversee the coordination and execution of ground investigation projects

Manage contract delivery to ensure projects are completed on time and maximise profitability

Support planning and technical input during the early stages of new projects

Monitor and control project costs and contract performance

Assist in the preparation and review of factual reports

Ensure all projects meet high standards of technical quality and health & safety

Leadership & Team Management Create a positive and inspiring team environment with clear communication

Set team goals and manage workloads across Project Managers and Site Engineers

Motivate and mentor engineers and project management staff

Monitor team performance and implement improvements where required

Conduct staff appraisals, onboarding and probation reviews

Manage recruitment of graduate engineers and support staff development

Resolve workplace issues and support conflict resolution

Health, Safety & CompliancePromote and enforce Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality (SHEQ) standards

Ensure all operations comply with the company Integrated Management System (IMS)

Conduct site audits and review project H&S plans

Monitor compliance with company H&S policies and procedures

Report and investigate SHEQ incidents

Business Development & StrategySupport regional business development initiatives

Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and industry contacts

Contribute to management plans aimed at improving company performance and profitability

Identify opportunities to grow the business within the North East region

Financial ManagementConduct financial reviews of contract performance

Analyse cost versus income across projects

Review project measures and invoices prepared by Project Managers

Contribute to sales forecasting and revenue tracking

Support debt management and payment resolution

Operations & Facility ManagementManage resources including staff, plant and equipment

Ensure the regional office, stores and yard are properly maintained

Coordinate project management staff and site engineering resources

Maintain access to relevant project information and systems

Manage IT equipment and escalate issues where required

Key Skills & CompetenciesStrong leadership and team management skills

Excellent organisational and multi-tasking ability

Strong commercial awareness and financial management skills

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Effective communication with clients, directors and staff

Strong decision-making and risk management ability

Commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum 7 years’ relevant industry experience

BSc degree in a relevant discipline

SMSTS certification

Experience managing ground investigation or geo-environmental projects is highly desirable

What We OfferSenior leadership role within a growing regional team

Opportunity to influence strategy and business development

Professional development and leadership opportunities

Collaborative working environment