Contracts Manager

Position: Contracts Manager (Permanent)
Location: Lewes

I’m currently supporting a leading utilities and civil engineering contractor in their search for an experienced and driven Contracts Manager. This is a key position where you’ll play a central role in planning, managing, and delivering essential wastewater infrastructure projects. If you’re motivated by high-quality delivery, strong client relationships, and continuous improvement, this is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of diverse and growing work streams.

In this role, you will oversee the full lifecycle of wastewater infrastructure programmes across the Southeast, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. Your technical knowledge, leadership, and strategic insight will be essential to building client confidence and driving successful outcomes.

Please note:

this position requires a minimum of three days per week on site or in the office. You can be based in either Falmer or Chatham, with site coverage across Hampshire, Sussex, and Kent. Contracted hours are 45 per week.

About the Business

The company is a well-established utilities contractor operating across the water and civil engineering sectors. They deliver complex, sustainable infrastructure solutions that enhance public networks, improve resilience, and reduce environmental impact. Their integrated capabilities span:

* Infrastructure, non-infrastructure, and maintenance services

* Civil engineering works including pipelines, pumping stations, and reservoirs

* MEICA services (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control, and automation)

* Long-term asset maintenance programmes supporting operational efficiency

With an industry-leading digital approach to project management and quality control, the organisation prides itself on delivering consistently high standards. The business also forms part of a wider engineering group with a strong reputation for essential infrastructure delivery across UK and European markets.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a confident leader with a strong background in infrastructure project delivery and a commercial mindset. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment, bring clarity to complex programmes, and build trusted relationships at all levels.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills &

Qualifications:

* Proven leadership capability with experience motivating multidisciplinary teams

* Strong commercial awareness, including budget, schedule and resource management

* Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills

* High attention to detail with strong organisational and time management abilities

* Demonstrated experience managing end-to-end construction or utilities projects

* Minimum 10 years' experience delivering or managing infrastructure programmes

* Experience in client management and expectation setting

* NVQ Level 4+, SMSTS, CSCS, and proficiency in MS Word, Excel and Project

Desirable qualifications:
NEBOSH Construction, IOSH/CITB Site Management, PMP or equivalent, NEC Project Manager accreditation

Please note:

all new starters are required to complete a drug and alcohol test as part of the onboarding process