Contracts Manager – Civils & Water (AMP8 NWL)

Location: North East (Teesside & North Yorkshire base; travel across Northern England)

Type: Permanent | Sector Lead role

The opportunity

A leading regional civil engineering contractor is seeking a client-facing Contracts Manager to be the “face of the business” on Northumbrian Water (NWL) AMP8 water civils projects across the North East. You’ll lead multiple schemes end-to-end, strengthening relationships on the framework and ensuring safe, timely and commercially sound delivery. Direct water-sector experience is ideal; strong candidates from broader main-contracting civils (drainage, public realm etc.) are also encouraged to apply.

What you’ll do

• Act as primary client interface for NWL AMP8 works; chair/attend progress, commercial and design meetings.
• Lead projects from pre-construction to handover: scope, programme, resources, risk and change control.
• Manage NEC (Options A/C) administration: EWNs, PMIs, CEs, valuations, CVR and forecasting with Commercial.
• Drive best-in-class H&S, quality and environmental performance (RAMS, ITPs, permits, audits).
• Coordinate delivery teams and supply chain to meet time, cost and quality targets.
• Report accurately on programme, cost/value, KPIs/OFWAT metrics and handover documentation.
• Mentor Engineers/Site Managers and champion a collaborative, learning culture.

What you’ll bring

• Proven delivery of water civils (clean/wastewater networks, rehab, drainage) or comparable main-contracting civils.
• Strong NEC knowledge and confident change/forecast management.
• Multi-site leadership with clear planning, prioritisation and recovery skills.
• Credible communicator who builds trust with clients, designers, operations and commercial teams.
• Robust HSEQ leadership and proactive risk management.

Qualifications & requirements

• HNC/HND or Degree in Civil Engineering (or similar).
• SMSTS (or equivalent), CSCS, full UK driving licence.
• Temporary Works appreciation; water hygiene/confined space desirable (can be provided).
• Proficient with MS Project/Primavera (or equivalent) and MS 365.

Travel & patch

North East–led (Teesside & North Yorkshire) with travel across Northern England aligned to project needs.

Why join?

• Impact & visibility: sector-lead remit on a strategic NWL framework.
• Stability & growth: strong forward order book and clear growth plans.
• People & development: apprenticeships, skills development and progression pathways.
• Benefits: 26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, flexible car leasing, overtime paid at standard rates, supportive culture.

How to apply

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Your details will not be shared with anyone until we’ve discussed the opportunity in more detail and you’re happy to proceed.

We will also confirm the name of the company hiring for this role during the same conversation.

To apply, simply click “Apply for this Job” on this listing, or email your CV to David@fulcrumrecruit.com. If you have any questions beforehand, feel free to call me on 07880 369 557.