Commercial Contracts Manager – Civils, Highways & Small Works
Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 + Company Car + Benefits
Location: Manchester (must be within 1 hour commute)
The Company
A long-established, family-run civil engineering and infrastructure contractor in the North West (c.£30m turnover). The business delivers a mix of civils and highways-related works and is known locally for reliable delivery and strong client relationships.
The Role
This is a hands-on, technically credible and commercially strong Contracts Manager position, focused on delivering and commercially controlling multiple smaller-value schemes rather than long-duration, major projects.
Typical project values are c.£100k–£500k, sometimes linked into wider programmes. You’ll be a visible presence across sites and the office, ensuring work is delivered safely, on time and profitably.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage multiple civils/highways/small works projects concurrently across the North West.
* Provide technical oversight: drawings, scope clarity, programme realism, and site delivery support.
* Assist with leading the commercial/QS elements of the contracts: valuations, cost control, variations, change management, forecasting, and final accounts.
* Build and maintain strong client relationships; identify opportunities for repeat work.
* Work closely with supervisors/site teams to maintain standards, productivity and quality.
* Ensure projects are delivered safely and in line with agreed timeframes/specs.
* Contribute to improving commercial discipline, reporting and processes as the workload grows.
What We’re Looking For
* Experience as a Contracts Manager / Project Manager in civils/highways/small works, with strong technical credibility.
* Heavier technical engineering competence than a standard delivery-only Contracts Manager.
* Comfortable running several live jobs at once (fast pace, tight commercial control).
* Strong client-facing skills; a local relationship base/“black book” is a bonus but not essential.
* Must live within 1 hour of the Greater Manchester office.
* Tickets/quals such as SMSTS/CSCS/NRSWA/HNC/HND are advantageous, but solid experience is the key.
Apply / Enquiries
For a confidential conversation, contact Nathan Turley at nathan.turley@elitecn.co.uk.