Contracts Manager
Location: East Region (Cambridgeshire, Essex, Sussex, Kent, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire)
Business Unit: Infrastructure
Contract Type: FTE or Contract
About J Coffey
J Coffey is a leading construction contractor with a strong reputation for delivering complex infrastructure and building projects across the UK. With a commitment to quality, safety, and innovation, we partner with public and private clients to bring vital infrastructure to life - especially in the UK water sector, where resilience, compliance, and sustainability are key.
Role Overview
The Contracts Manager will take full responsibility for the commercial and operational management of multiple civil engineering and infrastructure contracts across the East of England. This role requires a strong leader with a solid background in subcontracting, construction delivery, and commercial management within the civil engineering sector.
You will work closely with site teams, commercial staff, clients, and Tier 1 contractors to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality.
Key Responsibilities
Contract & Commercial Management
* Take overall responsibility for the successful delivery of multiple contracts.
* Manage contract performance, profitability, and risk.
* Ensure robust commercial control across all projects, including forecasting and cost management.
* Work closely with Quantity Surveyors to monitor variations, applications, and final accounts.
* Manage contractual relationships with Tier 1 contractors and clients.
Project Delivery & Operations
* Oversee planning, programming, and execution of works.
* Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
* Support site teams with technical, contractual, and commercial guidance.
* Monitor progress and implement corrective actions where required.
* Ensure compliance with project specifications and quality standards.
Leadership & Team Management
* Lead, mentor, and support Project Managers, Site Managers, and Engineers.
* Promote a collaborative and high-performance culture.
* Ensure adequate resource planning across all live projects.
* Conduct regular project and performance reviews.
Health, Safety & Quality
* Champion health and safety across all projects.
* Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations, method statements, and risk assessments.
* Work closely with HSEQ teams to maintain high safety and quality standards.
* Drive continuous improvement across operations.
Client & Stakeholder Management
* Build and maintain strong relationships with Tier 1 contractors and clients.
* Represent J Coffey Infrastructure in progress meetings and reviews.
* Manage expectations and resolve issues proactively.
* Identify opportunities for repeat business and project extensions.
Key Requirements
* Proven experience as a Contracts Manager (or Senior Project Manager stepping up).
* Strong background in Civil Engineering and Infrastructure projects.
* Experience working for a subcontractor within the construction industry.
* Familiarity with Tier 1 contractors and NEC contracts.
* Strong commercial awareness and contract management skills.
* Excellent leadership and communication skills.
* Willingness to travel across the East of England.
* Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.
* Chartered status (ICE, CIOB, or equivalent).
* Experience in highways, utilities, rail, or water sectors.
* Knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 contracts.
* Project leadership and delivery
* Risk management and problem-solving
* Stakeholder management
* Health, safety, and quality leadership
* Financial and programme control
* Team leadership and development