Project / Contract Manager - Wiltshire Highways
Location: Wiltshire
Start Date: Ideally 17th November
Contract Type: Freelance (Inside IR35)
We're seeking an experienced Project / Contract Manager to join the operational delivery team supporting the Wiltshire Highways network. This role is pivotal in ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery of highway maintenance and improvement works across the region.
As Project / Contract Manager, you'll oversee the full lifecycle of multiple schemes-from planning and resource allocation through to execution and completion-ensuring all works are delivered to the highest safety, performance, and commercial standards.
Key Responsibilities
Service Delivery: Manage the delivery of all highways works in line with contract requirements, ensuring quality, productivity, and value for money.
Operational Planning: Lead the planning, programming, and coordination of works, efficiently allocating resources and collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders.
Safety Leadership: Champion a strong safety culture, working with SHEQ teams to embed best practice in health, safety, environment, and sustainability.
Commercial Management: Take ownership of commercial performance, managing budgets, forecasts, and cost control in partnership with commercial and finance teams.
Process & Performance: Promote operational excellence and continuous improvement across all activities, including participation in winter maintenance programmes.
Fleet & Transport Compliance: Ensure all fleet, plant, and driver documentation is accurate and compliant with regulations.
Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain effective relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders, driving service excellence and KPI performance.
People Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop teams to achieve performance targets, ensuring clear communication and a culture of accountability.
Supply Chain Management: Manage and monitor subcontractors and supply chain partners to ensure safety, quality, and delivery standards are met.
Additional Duties: Support wider operational initiatives and projects as directed.
About You
Proven experience as a Project or Contract Manager in highways maintenance, civil engineering, or infrastructure delivery.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate teams and manage performance effectively.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills-both written and verbal.
Commercially astute with solid understanding of cost control and project financials.
Committed to safety, environmental responsibility, and continuous improvement.
Highly organised, self-motivated, and capable of managing multiple workstreams.
Full UK driving licence and SMSTS certification essential