Contracts Manager

Contracts Manager – Driving Regional Delivery & Growth

We're recruiting for a Contracts Manager to join us here at Octavius.

We are a leading civil engineering organisation delivering safe, sustainable and innovative transport infrastructure across the UK. At Octavius, we do things differently—our people, values and collaborative culture sit at the heart of everything we do.

As we continue to grow our regional business, we're looking for a Contracts Manager who will not only deliver exceptional projects, but help shape, influence and drive performance across the region, turning opportunity into long-term success.

You'll be working on…

Leading a portfolio of civil engineering projects across our regional business, ensuring they are delivered safely, sustainably, on time and to budget, while strengthening client relationships and driving long-term growth.

You'll take ownership of operational and commercial performance, working closely with delivery and pre-delivery teams to convert opportunities into secured work and consistently deliver high-quality outcomes.

Alongside this, you will:

• Lead and develop high-performing teams, creating an inclusive, collaborative environment where people can thrive.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, supply chain partners and internal stakeholders.
• Drive financial performance through robust forecasting, CVRs and risk management.
• Champion effective processes and governance to provide clarity, control and consistency across delivery.
• Contribute to regional business planning—helping to shape growth and maximise opportunity.

At Octavius, you'll bring our values and principles to life—aligning people, focusing on outcomes, and ensuring we deliver the Octavius Way on every project.

You'll receive… (because we value you)

We offer a competitive rewards package, including a Company Car scheme, Private Healthcare, Pension, Life Assurance cover, 25 days Annual Leave (and a day off for your birthday). You'll also have access to hybrid working where possible, an enhanced Paternity & Maternity package and the opportunity to develop yourself personally and professionally.

About you… (what you are skilled at)

You're an experienced and driven leader who takes pride in delivering high-quality outcomes and building strong, trusted relationships.

You lead with authenticity and integrity, creating an environment where people feel supported, challenged and able to perform at their best. You're collaborative in your approach, commercially aware, and confident making decisions in a fast-paced, operational environment.

You'll naturally demonstrate the Octavius values:

• Quality – you set high standards and take pride in what you deliver.
• Integrity – you do the right thing and build trust through your actions.
• Openness – you communicate clearly and value different perspectives.
• Caring – you support and develop those around you.
• Progressive – you challenge, improve and look for better ways of doing things.

You'll bring… (your wealth of experience & qualifications)

• Proven experience delivering civil engineering projects or programmes (typically up to £10m+).
• Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to develop and motivate high-performing teams.
• Sound commercial awareness, with experience managing budgets, CVRs and project performance.
• The ability to build and influence relationships with clients, stakeholders and supply chain partners.
• Knowledge of highways and/or rail environments and relevant industry standards (including CDM 2015).
• A relevant construction or civil engineering qualification (or equivalent experience).
• Professional memberships or additional certifications (desirable).

*The region covered includes the West Midlands, Banbury to Coventry, and Worcester to Northampton.

Inclusion and diversity are important to us, we are an equal opportunities employer and value difference. We want and will continue to build an inclusive environment where our people thrive. We firmly believe constantly striving to build a truly diverse workforce is what makes us a strong business and will enable us to continue to solve important problems and deliver unrivalled value to both our customers and clients. If you need any specialist support throughout your application, we will work with you where we can to support your journey with us.

• Contracts Manager RCE.pdf