Job Description:

Contracts Manager – Rail

LOCATION  South East    
SALARY  Negotiable – minimum £50,000

About the Opportunity
An established specialist contractor operating across the UK infrastructure, construction and transport sectors is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to support and oversee rail-related projects across the South East. Its wider specialist operations include rail services alongside demolition, asbestos removal, remediation, reactive maintenance and waste management.
Working within a multi-disciplinary contracting environment, the rail operation supports the delivery of specialist works within the rail sector, where safety, planning, compliance and coordination with rail-industry stakeholders are essential to successful project delivery.

The Role
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced rail professional with a strong background in contract management, project delivery and operational leadership. You will take responsibility for managing rail contracts and projects across the South East, ensuring that works are properly planned, resourced and delivered safely, efficiently, on programme and within budget.
You will work closely with operational teams, site managers, supervisors, clients, principal contractors and rail-industry stakeholders. The role will involve maintaining high standards of safety and compliance, monitoring commercial performance and building strong relationships to support successful delivery and future opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of rail-related contracts and projects across the South East, from initial handover and mobilisation through to completion.
• Plan and coordinate project programmes, labour, plant, equipment and subcontractor resources.
• Ensure all works are delivered in accordance with relevant rail-industry standards, client requirements, legislation and company procedures.
• Maintain a strong focus on health, safety, environmental management and quality across all project activities.
• Lead and support site managers, supervisors and operational delivery teams.
• Monitor contract performance, budgets, costs, variations, forecasting and overall profitability.
• Review and ensure the quality of project documentation, including risk assessments, method statements and site-specific plans.
• Undertake site visits to monitor progress, productivity, workmanship and compliance.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with clients, principal contractors, rail stakeholders and subcontractors.
• Identify and manage programme risks, operational issues and commercial challenges, implementing solutions where required.
• Ensure project activities are appropriately coordinated with relevant access, possession, planning and delivery requirements where applicable.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational performance, strengthen client relationships and support the development of further work.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in a Contracts Manager, Senior Project Manager or similar operational management role within the rail industry.
• A good understanding of rail infrastructure projects, delivery environments and associated operational requirements.
• Knowledge of relevant rail-industry standards, health and safety legislation and client compliance processes.
• Experience managing multiple contracts or projects, site teams, subcontractors and operational resources.
• Strong commercial awareness, including budget management, cost control, variations and contract profitability.
• Experience working with rail clients, principal contractors and other industry stakeholders.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and project deadlines.
• Confident leadership, communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive approach to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel throughout the South East.
• Relevant rail competencies or industry-specific qualifications would be advantageous, depending on the nature of the projects.