Contracts Manager

United Infrastructure is a dynamic and rapidly expanding business, focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects, across the utility and social infrastructure sectors.

Our team of highly skilled and hardworking specialists deliver innovative solutions to the complex challenges our clients face.

Our company is split into two business areas:

Utility Infrastructure –Our team of Utility Infrastructure specialists design, build and maintain critical water, energy (gas), power and telecoms infrastructure, for the UK’s largest network owners and operators.

Social Infrastructure - Our team of Social Infrastructure specialists revitalise homes and communities by carrying out a wide range of work, from retrofit to refurbishment, and maintenance.

Working in partnership with our clients, which are the UK’s largest network owners and operators, we work on highly complex projects to deliver resilient infrastructure, meeting the needs of local communities as well as national interests.

One of our key strengths lies in our ability to deliver projects nationally, but also ensuring that within each programme of work, we engage with local communities.

We do this through employing people who are representative of the local communities we work in, training and developing them to take pride in the work they do, and to be responsible for delivering leading levels of performance across our projects.

Join the thriving and dynamic Utility Infrastructure Energy team! As a rapidly growing business, we are excited to welcome a new Contract Manager to contribute to our success. If you're looking for a long-term career opportunity with a Main Contractor, where you can develop your skills and be part of an industry-leading organisation, this role is for you.

Based in our Warrington office in the North West of England, the individual will ensure the effective management of a portfolio of projects typically within the Gas transmission and distribution sector, ensuring programme requirements are met whilst working in line with both Company and divisional objectives and achieving the client and customer aspirations and expectations. To manage projects to achieve targets in respect of safety, time, cost, quality and customer satisfaction.

Specific Responsibilities

• Accountable for the successful management of projects, devising a strategic programme of works at the start of the contract and continually monitoring progress to ensure projects achieve targets in respect of safety, time, cost, quality and customer satisfaction.
• Responsible for the overall management of projects setting standards and ensuring consistency across the Business in line with United Living processes and procedures.
• Recruitment and development of operational teams to meet both current and future demands.
• Manage the Company’s obligations and rights under the terms of the contract.
• Act as a visibly strong leader of HSQ&E, promoting high standards of health and safety and environmental management by undertaking regular site visits and coaching teams.
• Ensure that all HSQ&E activity and reporting is accurate, legally compliant and within group policies, highlighting and resolving concerns when identified.
• Ensure that projects are staffed adequately and led and managed effectively and maintain high levels of commitment and morale; ensure at all times that good two-way communication occurs. Ensuring strong team ethic.
• Actively support the Operations Director in the management of areas of opportunity and risk that may impact on the business plan. Lead teams by example at all times and ensure that United Living is a centre of excellence.
• Work closely with the Commercial Manager ensuring that all matters relating to commercial and operations are fully aligned and managed.
• Ensure that any work carried out outside of the scope of the contract is notified and approved by the Client and the implications of the changes and financial impact are clearly understood.
• Resolve operational and technical issues at a project level.
• Support the Bid Team and work winning function where necessary.
• Responsible for developing and establishing excellent working relationships through effective communication with Clients and Stakeholders. Liaising with Clients to build trust and enhance understanding.
• Responsible for the delivery of client strategies and ensuring the Company are achieving KPIs and meeting Client Critical Success Factors and implementing initiatives to ensure their continual improvement.
• Lead all of the People responsibilities for the team including undertaking and monitoring the completion of Performance & Development Reviews, supporting and coaching team members to achieve both individual and business objectives.
• Manage all employee related matters, liaising with People Services as necessary.
• Ensure robust contract and delivery programmes are produced which include design and procurement and that the team take full ownership.
• Work with the Project teams to provide up to date and accurate reports on the Project progress and highlight any potential risk to the relevant parties.
• Responsible for ensuring strong working relationships are maintained on the Project by the Operations and Commercial teams to ensure good financial and programme controls are in place and ensuring that any financial implications are discussed and progressed with the Commercial team.

• Must be an experienced Gas or Pipeline Contracts Manager or Senior Project Manager looking to make the next step who can manage a portfolio of works from a delivery, HSQE and commercial perspective to achieve the targets identified in the Business Plan
• Commercial and Programming awareness – experience with NEC form of contract
• Proven track record of successful delivery of projects from start to finish.
• Proficient using Microsoft Office programmes; incl. Excel, Word, Outlook.
• Experience on similar works for / with National Grid, Cadent, Northern Gas Networks, Scotia Gas Networks would be advantageous.
• Experience managing high value projects or portfolios.
• Willing to travel on a weekly basis, lodging where required.
• Full UK driving license

What we offer you

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A supportive and dynamic work environment.
• Career Development – from the moment you join, you’ll be supported to develop, grow your skill set and progress your career the way you want.
• Cultivate – access to our idea and innovation platform, empowering you to drive positive business change.
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounts – access to our leisure and shopping discounts and rewards platform.
• Employee Networks – opportunity to join our organisation wide employee networks such as our Veteran’s Network, Women’s Network, and Young People’s Network which is dedicated to supporting and retaining employees in the early stages of their careers and empowers young employees and future leaders through Continuous Professional Development (CPD), Social Value and Team Building initiatives.
• Health and Wellbeing Support – access to our employee programme which includes access to a virtual GP and Dentist, mental health support and counselling, fitness and nutrition, and financial and legal advice.
• Health Cash Plan
• Holidays
• Payroll Giving – the opportunity to donate regularly from your gross pay to support charities of your choice.
• Pension – you will be eligible to join our pension scheme which we will also contribute to.
• Personal Support Network – you will receive a dedicated buddy and mentor and will join an early careers community of peers that will support you forward every step of the way.
• Reward and Award Schemes – access to our long service awards and above and beyond rewards.
• Social Value – you will be encouraged to support social impact activities each year to support charities and local community organisations.

Company culture

At United Infrastructure, we invest in our people and firmly believe that our workforce is our most valuable asset. A driving force for success and the core to achieving our vision of creating a connected and sustainable future, our team is the heart of our organization.

Building a diverse, inclusive, and equal working environment in which everyone is welcomed and encouraged to be themselves, is a commitment we are dedicated to. We believe that having a diverse workforce not only sets us up for success, but it allows for greater opportunities for innovation, adaptability, and wide-ranging capabilities. We empower our people, and our communities, to champion diversity and change every day.

A fast-paced, diverse, and hugely ambitious business, we welcome challengers, innovators and people who embrace change. Establish yourself in a creative environment that champions freedom of expression and supports you in your personal and professional development – because together, we achieve more.